The Forbidden City – The City Of Disillusionment (幻滅紫禁城)
Prologue:
All look upon the Forbidden City with awe and wonder at its brilliant architecture and majestic aura.
Many strive to enter within the towering walls of crimson, unaware of the fact that it is no more than a devious spider, enticing its unsuspecting prey with false promises of luxury and splendour, and then consuming them without a trace in its den of no return.
How many can see through the veil of power and ambition?
How many can escape from its intricate web of bitterness, oppression and revenge?
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Author's Note:
Hi Everyone!
I have decided to return to fanfiction after a long break. After two years of research and brainstorming, my new fanfiction is taking shape. The plot will set in the Ming Dynasty and will focus upon politics and wuxia. :starwars:
It is my first attempt at a historic plot with real historical characters that will play a role in my story. There will be both fact and fiction involved so I find it is a challenge due to increased restrictions on plot development because history is already clearly written in the books. But I will attempt to make it as lively as possible.
This will also be my first time using a set cast for my characters whereas in the past I have left them up to the reader's imagination. So here it goes.
The first chapter will be up on the 1st March 2011.
See you then! :wave:
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Prologue:
Surrounded by riches; yet forbidden to possess.
Surrounded by beautiful women; yet forbidden to desire.
Such is the tragic life of a eunuch, destined to a life of eternal servitude and solitude.
All fingers emerge to criticise when a lowly servant rises above his master,
but who are we to judge a man’s right to survive?
Who are we to condemn a man’s will to fight against his appointed destiny?
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Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter 1:
Cast of Appearing Characters
Yuen Ho - Pierre Ngo Ka Nin
Yuen Hong - Eddie Kwan Lai Kit
Yuen Mo Kei - Eddy Ko Hung
Yuen Lun - Jim Bing Hei
Yuen Chiu - Ben Wong Chi Yin
Yuen Long - Dickson Lee Kar Sing
1st Year of Ching Dak (1506)
The streets of Beijing were silent. Not a person walked the streets of the lonely Capital. There wasn’t even a bark from a dog, Not even the cold night breeze dared to howl when channelling swiftly through the empty streets. Every day after sunset, Beijing was a ghost city. No one dared venture out after dark. No one dared to even light their candles indoors. They had rather eat their dinner in the dark. It had been like this for six whole months.
It had been six months since Emperor Wang Chi had ascended to the heavens. Everyone around the country had been in mourning for many months. He was a well-loved Emperor who was wise and kind to the people, yet tough with the corrupt officials who plagued their lives. Taxes were alleviated during his reign and they were finally able to breathe and enjoy life. But now that Emperor Wang Chi was no longer on the throne what did the future hold for them?
Emperor Ching Dak was now their heavenly mandate. Rumours were spreading that he had not gone to court for five months already. No one dared talk much about the matter so those who talked the loudest in public were often not seen again. Since then, life in Beijing had been turned upside down.
The chilling silence of the winter night was suddenly interrupted by the galloping of distant hooves ploughing through the thick snow. A group of fast horses were approaching at top sped, all heading to the same unfortunate destination. It was a dark night as the moon was hidden by thick clouds. But still visible, a group of twenty black cloaked men had dismounted from horseback and rushed into Yuen Manor.
Yuen Hong was sitting in his favourite garden with his favourite concubine on his lap, serving him the most fragrant Red Daughter wine. For a man in his sixty-first year of life, he had all that a man could wish for - a powerful and influential family, strong political links and not to mention, a virtuous wife who did not mind his six young and beautiful concubines. He had twelve children – eight of them were young and healthy sons. What more could he want? But he did not expect this night to come.
Screams and yells suddenly filled the night air. “Who are you?” “What do you think you are doing here?” The old servant in charge of the front door shouted in protest as he was forced to lead these mysterious men to find his master.
Yuen Hong got up at once and prostrated himself. “What do YOU think you are doing?” he said with an air of arrogance, “How dare you enter my presence without being summoned?”
They all wore tall black hats but their dark cloaks shielded their hidden uniform as it flapped gently in the night breeze. They looked like large bloodthirsty bats hovering just above the snow with a ghostly presence, ready to attack at moment.
One of the intruders, their leader, stepped forward. He had a cold hard expression – like a statue chiselled from stone. Stiffly, he said. “We have orders to take Minister Yuen back to Headquarters for questioning. Please come with us now!” His request was more like an order.
“How dare you? Don’t you know who I am? I am a third-rank official! Who dares touch me?” blurted out Yuen Hong.
The stone-faced man said coldly, “If we did not know who you are, we would not be here tonight. Men! Escort minister Yuen back to Headquarters immediately!” Immediately, the bat-like figures answered a short “Yes!” moved forward all at once. Yuen Hong and his concubine staggered back.
“Hold it right there!” A strong and solid voice came from within one of the surrounding buildings. The doors opened and out stepped an old man in his eighties with a tall and dignified stature, showing no signs of fragility. Behind him, stood three middle-aged men, each dressed in rich brocades and each looking strong and calm.
The old man proclaimed, “On whose orders are you acting on to arrest my son and invade my Yuen Manor?” The gentle moonlight revealed his kind facial features but his words were stern.
“Yuen Manor was bestowed upon the Yuen family three decades again by the late Emperor Shing Fa. Our family has been loyal to the Great Ming Empire for four generations. Even though I, Yuen Mo Kei, am only a mere second-rank Head Minister of Revenue and my sons only of the third-rank, I believe the Brocade-Clad Guards still doesn’t have enough authority to intrude on our privacy like this. If you want to take my son into custody, then first seek permission from the Emperor at Court tomorrow!”
The Yuen Clan had been very influential in the Court for many decades; most of their male descendents has positions in the government. Even though their power was no longer as strong as before, no one dared to offend them like this.
The stone-faced man seemed unfazed by these words and laughed, “The Brocade-Clad Guards might have the authority to take in Minister Yuen, but the Eastern Faction has no need to first gain Imperial permission prior action. Minister Yuen, I persuade you to let us do our job!” With that, the men removed opened their cloaks and revealed a dark grey uniform. Indeed, they were not dressed in the yellow-gold uniform of the Brocade-Clad Guards.
One of the sons, Yuen Lun scoffed at him. “So it is an only a bunch of castrated officials!”
“Shut your mouth!” snapped Yuen Mo Kei. The Eastern Faction was no joking matter. Their power was greater than the Brocade-Guards and their actions much more mysterious. No one who they took rarely returned. “So it is Yau Jui who ordered this! Leave at once! You tell him that the first thing all Yuen Clan members will do tomorrow morning is to complain to the Emperor at Court! No one will lay a hand on my family!
The eunuch smiled. “I am afraid that none of you will be present at Court tomorrow. Our orders are to arrest all Yuen Clan members back to Headquarters regarding treason against the Great Ming Dynasty! Men! Take them all!” The Eastern Faction guards instantly unsheathed long sword and hooks previously hidden under their cloaks, and moved forward like a flock of crows.
Yuen Hong retreated towards his father as a silver hook gripped his beloved concubine by the neck and dragged her forward, breaking her slender neck. Another three guards leapt up and charged in mid-air at Yuen Mo Kei with the tip of their swords aiming for the Minister’s throat.
A long spear cut a path through the air and blocked the weapons just as they were centimetres from their intended victim. A smartly-dressed young man jumped in between his grandfather and the guards and caught his weapon in one hand and then twirled it menacingly before his opponents.
“No one can lay a finger on my family in front from Yuen Ho!” cried the young man. Fifty or so security guards had entered the courtyard and blocked all exits. Even the Eastern faction guards could capture their targets, they had to fight to the death to exit Yuen manor. And they did.
Soon, the quite night was filled with sword of metal clashing against metal, and the painful groans of injured men. The Lead Eunuch yelled out to his men, “Listen all! Supreme Commander Lau has given ordered to take all of those in Yuen Manor! No matter men or women, elderly or children, take all in, dead or alive!” The haunting command shook the hearts of all those who heard.
The Eastern Faction guards were greatly outnumbered but they were well-trained fighters. They had been carefully selected since young to participate in a ruthless and aggressive training program to make them efficient and vicious killers. Compared to the Brocade-Clad Guards, they had more freedom to explore their tactics and expand experience using real people for practice.
Soon, the Eastern Faction Guards were gaining the upper hands and many security guards were slaughtered. Women and maids were flocking to the exits but were blocked by the fighters and some even injured in the process. In his youth, Yuen Mo Kei may have been able to take five of these attackers at ease, but now he found it hard to catch his breath after delivering two deadly palms of force. His sons did not fare any better.
All the male members of the Yuen family had been trained in martial arts but their age and years of good living had made them forget their reflexes and fighting instinct. Yuen Ho was a brave and skilled fighter but he was not well prepared to battle these trained assassins. He protected what he could of his family as they retreated into an opening but their enemies pursued. A fine mist of fragrance engulfed them as Yuen Ho felt his limbs beginning to weaken and his head begin to spin.
Out of the corner of his eye, Yuen Ho saw his mother and grandmother had been captured and beaten on the ground. A sharp pain seared across his right shoulder as a silver hook had appeared from nowhere and penetrated his flesh. Digging deep into the wound, he was dragged to one side by one attacker as the rest took down his grandfather, his father and his uncles. But he was helpless to come to come to their rescue as he had to fend off three of the Eastern Faction guards who had taken hold of his spear and locked him into a corner.
Suddenly, Yuen Hong broke free and pounced on one of the attackers, yelling out, “Run, Ho! Run! Don’t worry about us! Save yourself!” Yuen Ho wanted to stay but he knew he had to go or they would just all die together. Using his spear handle as a lever, he forced his two remaining opponents to one side created an opening just large enough for him to leap onto the roof. With one last longing look at his family, Yuen Ho turned and escaped from Yuen Manor.
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Author's Note: :starwars:
For those unfamiliar with the history of the Ming Dynasty, it is famous for its spy agencies that arrested and tortured people without going through the official process. During the reign of Emperor Ching Dak (Zheng De), there were four as you will read later on in the story. The Brocade-Clad Guards (Jin Yi Wei) is the oldest yet lowest ranked agency made up primarily by men selected from the Imperial Guards. The next up is the second-oldest Eastern Faction (Dong Chang) which is governed and made up by eunuchs trained in martial arts and interogation. The existence of these factions secured the important political influence of eunuchs during the Ming Dynasty.
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Two:
Cast of Appearing Characters
Yuen Ho - Pierre Ngo Ka Nin
Masked Attacker 1 - Felix Wong Yat Wah
Masked Attacker 2 - Derek Kwok Ching Hung
Lau Gan - surprise, to be revealed later
Yuen Ho landed gently onto the soft white snow as his shoulder seared with pain. Only then, did he look at his wound. The broken tip of a silver hook was still embedded in his flesh, causing it to further tear with each movement. But he had to move. Clutching his injured shoulder, he tried to get up but then came the sound of something moving fast through the air behind him. He was too slow to avoid it and he was kicked in the back of the head and his face was pushed down hard into the snow. The freezing snow numbed his face and someone stepped on his head.
“Ha! A small fish that has slipped through the nets!” said a voice from behind him, “Too bad you can’t swim through this one, little fish!” Yuen Ho felt his hands being forced up against his back as they were tied up. He groaned with pain as it aggravated his wound. He was dragged and pushed into the main street where he got a big fright. The street was now filled with at least a hundred Eastern Faction guards who were supervising the loading of his family into caged carts that had arrived during the fight. But he could not identify who was who as it was too dark and his head hurt like it had been slitted open. He was kicked in the back of the knees and compelled to kneel before the guards. They had all assembled around a dark sedan chair with a black translucent curtain. The silhouette of a man’s side complexion could be seen but Yuen Ho could not make out any details.
His captors also knelt in the snow beside him on one knee and with their hands cupped in respect before their bowed heads, they recited, “Greetings to Supreme Commander Lau! We, the Eighth Division of the Eastern Faction have successfully accomplished our mission and managed to capture all of Yuen Clan members here tonight. However, thirty-one have died while resisting arrest but a total of eight-five survivors are being transported back to Headquarters as we speak!” Yuen Ho’s heart sank. Thirty-one members of his family had died. Who were they?
The man within the sedan chair did not make a sound. But one of the two Eastern Faction guards standing directly beside the sedan chair, obviously of some position, replied, “Well done! Head Commander Lau is pleased with your work!”
Out of the blue, a manly voice cried, “Lau Gan, prepare for your death!” And from nowhere, thirty scruffy masked men had appeared on top of the surrounding buildings. Their leader was a tall man with a wide-build. He carried with him a heavy iron sabre with a fierce dragon etched into the blade. “Lau Gan, you castrated animal! Since the new Emperor’s coronation, you have usurped power by eliminating the loyal officials from Court with your hounds and caused great harm to the people! Everyone wants to kill you! We brothers have patiently waited for four months for you to show your turtle head! Finally, you have dared to venture out of the safety of the Forbidden City, you coward! Now prepare to die for your crimes!” And with that, the masked leader jumped off the rooftop and lunged at the sedan chair.
The surrounding Eastern Faction guards leapt up to protect their master and another great fight immediately ensued. If the Eastern Faction guards were vicious killers then these masked men were efficient warriors. With their weapons gleaming in the dim moonlight, they advanced all together at the same group of guards on one side, forcing them back towards the remaining guards so they could break free and attack them from another side and neither did they allow them space to swing their weapons to attack without injuring one another. The leader swung his treasured weapon at the guards and sliced effortlessly through five of them at a time. The rest of his men were also gaining on the guards, most of who had been fatigued after the fight within Yuen Manor.
Yuen Ho was dragged backwards through the snow as the guards backed towards the sedan chair as the masked men were cutting their way through towards it. All of a sudden, the large outline of the masked leader appeared in the moonlight and he stepped upon the heads of the guards towards the sedan chair. With one swift movement, Yuen Ho’s captor swung him at the assassin to block the deadly swipe. Seeing an innocent being pushed in his path, the masked leader quickly spun to one side to avoid slicing at Yuen Ho and speedily pulled Yuen Ho to his side as he landed on both feet.
“Little brother! Stay by my side!” he ordered Yuen Ho, as he had to quickly defend blows from the two higher position Eastern Faction guards who were defending the sedan chair. Long swords were their weapons and the two moved in perfect unison and timing. The masked leader did not even have the time to blink as he leaned backwards to dodge the double blades swiping over his torso. Taking the two by surprise, he kicked them in the shins and he fell flat on his back and then added two more kicks to their chests that sent the two flying unconscious into the walls. Using his sabre blade to bounce himself back onto his feet, the masked leader swung his weapon and freed Yuen Ho from his bondage.
A piercing sound traversed the air and a loud clang was heard as the masked leader was forced backwards, with feet skidding through the thick snow. A small metal bearing had been flicked from within the sedan chair and its impact with the sabre and impelled the masked leader away. Yuen Ho quickly ran to his side, and asked with concern, “Hero, are you alright?”
“Move away!” yelled the masked man, shoving Yuen Ho to one side as more metal bearings came flying out from the sedan chair. Clang! Clang! Clang! The masked man blocked all attacks and the shower of metal bearings deflected and embedded into the walls of surrounding buildings. The rain of deadly weapons has stopped. He has run out of them. “Humph! I want to see how many hidden weapons you can have!” scoffed the masked man and he leapt up in another attempt to attack the man inside the sedan chair.
Landing on the handles, the masked man swung his weapon at the sedan chair which spun wildly to deflect the blows with its wooden frame. Suddenly, a hand emerged from the dark curtain and palmed the masked man in the right shoulder causing him to lose grip of his weapon. Swiftly, the masked man swapped to battle with his hands, still managing to avoid his opponent’s blows while maintaining balance on the sedan chair handles.
But the surrounding guards had noticed the attack on their master and rushed forward to protect him. Yuen Ho grabbed the abandoned sabre from t he ground and swung it at them. It hurt his wounded shoulder very much for it weighed a ton to him but it was indeed a valuable treasure for it cut through the silver hooks of the offending Eastern Faction guards which made them stumble back.
With a quick glance towards the masked leader, Yuen Ho saw the pair of deadly palms hit him squarely in the chest and he flew off the sedan chair and vomited blood on the thick white snow. Yuen Ho rushed to his defence as did his followers.
“Big Brother! Let’s retreat!” one of them said. “We have lost many men already. We have underestimated these hounds and eagles of the Government. Let’s retreat!” Indeed, at least half of these masked heroes were lying lifeless on the ground along with a number of dead East Faction guards, and the rest were gathered around their leader, each sporting injuries and supporting each other.
The masked leader looked around. Yuen Ho saw that he had large round fierce eyes but they showed care and concern for his wounded men. “Alright! Retreat, Men!” he shouted and grabbing Yuen Ho, they obediently leapt away to escape via the rooftops. Another few men were lost as they moved through the East faction guards trying to deter the escapees. As they flew through the air, the masked leader spat out blood and hollered, “Lau Gan! We failed to take your wretched life today, but wait and see! You will suffer a terrible death!”
But the man within the sedan chair was not finished yet. White particles were ejected from the sedan chair after them like a spray of hailstone. The owner obviously didn’t care if his own men were injured in the process as they were lethal to all who stood in its path. Yuen Ho could not see what exactly they were, but instinctively, he lunged over behind the masked leader and shielded him from the unknown projectiles. That was the last he remembered about that night for he had lost consciousness from that moment forth.
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Author's Note: :lecture:
Lau Gan or better known as Liu Jin, is one of the most notorious eunuchs that held power during the Ming dynasty. He controled the Imperial Court with defacto power from the weak Emperor Ching Dak and eliminated political opponents to his advantage. He used the different Eunuch Factions to consolidate his power and increase his influence in the empire.
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Three:
Cast of Appearing Characters
Yuen Mo Kei - Eddy Ko Hung
Yuen Hong - Eddie Kwan Lai Kit
Lau Gan - Surprise
The Headquarters of the Eastern Faction were well hidden within Beijing. Many thought it would be well within the crimson walls of the Forbidden City, for the eunuch commanders to gain easy access to, but in fact, the Headquarters was just outside the palace walls. It had the appearance of a large mansion of a wealthy merchant but inside was a heavily guarded area. The buildings and courtyards were only a front; the real Headquarters was in a large underground cellar built under the whole mansion, hidden from sight. It contained hundreds of prison cells for all the secret prisoners that were secretly arrested. There was a large hall lit with many candles, whose light shone brightly on the numerous torture tools for suspects who did not like talking.
Yuen Mo Kei and his sons were locked in the same cramped cell. His grandsons, security guards, servants, and other male relatives were also imprisoned nearby. His wife and other female relations were locked in a separate section of the prison – separating them from loved ones increased the fear and anxiousness which prepared them for interrogation later. But it was too late for interrogation at this hour. They had plenty of time to wait for the Yuen family were not going anywhere soon.
“Why have you locked us in here? I am the Head Minister of Revenue! Answer me!” yelled Yuen Mo Kei. He was no longer calm and collected as before. Too much had already happened tonight – but why? “Answer me!” His cries were echoed by other prisoners in the same area - all wanting the same answer. Why were they locked up without due process? What had they done wrong? But no one cared to answer.
“Answer me!” shouted Yuen Mo Kei with the remaining of his strength. His hair hung scruffily over half his face and blood from his injuries had leaked all over his undergarments. All prisoners’ outer clothes and accessories were removed before entering the cells. It added insult to the chills of the night.
“Lau Gan! I know it is you! I know you are here! Tell me why? How have I wronged you? Why have you done this to my family? Tell me!”
“Right or wrong, you need not know and I need not tell you. You only need to know that from today onwards, you and your family’s lives are in my hands.” said a calm but cold voice. The voice had resonated from across the entrance of the prison. It was dark and Yuen Mo Kei could not make out the appearance of the speaker. The prison seldom lit candles as sitting in darkness made the prisoners more insecure.
“Lau Gan!” screamed Yuen Mo Kei breathlessly, almost with madness. “What wrong have I done to you? Have I not tried to appease you with bribes and expensive gifts? Have I not tried to be out of your way during Court and turned a blind eye to your open elimination of opponents? What wrong have I done? You have sent back my gifts and bribes unopened and refused to grant me even one audience with you! You have planned this from the start! But why?”
Something stirred in the shadows from the direction of the voice. Lau Gan had stepped closer towards the prisoners, but not enough for Yuen Mo Kei to make out his face. All he could see was that he was a tall and slim, standing straight with his hands behind his back.
“Why?” Lau Gan mockedd coldly. “You still don’t know why? Is why important? All throughout history, people have plotted and schemed against each other for much lesser reasons than a why. I though you know that already. ” His voice was calm and monotone, not betraying any emotion but it could not disguise the viciousness of his words.
“Lau Gan, you castrated dog!” yelled Yuen Hong. “Where is my son, Ho? What have you done with him?” Yuen Hong tightly clutched the wooden bars of his cells. As far as he knew, all seven of his sons had been brutally beaten to death during the arrest. Yuen Ho was his only hope. He did not care about his own safety, for anyone who entered these cells were as good as dead. He only wanted to know if Yuen Ho had managed to survive the ordeal.
A chilling laugh was his response. Lau Gan teased, “You mean that brave little thing that was rescued by those masked men? The acupressure points of his lower body have been damaged by my hidden weapons. Forceful removal of the embedded projectiles will only cause further damage. Even if he managed to survive his injuries, he will be paralysed for life! Absolutely useless!”
“No!”. Yuen Hong screamed, “No!” Lau Gan continued to laugh cruelly. “You low-life eunuch!” continued Yuen Hong in grief, “Who do you think you are? You are nothing but an incomplete animal. You are neither woman nor man, only a grovelling dog that has only gained power through a woman!”
Lau Gan swiftly replied, “But don’t forget I am not the only one who has gained power through a woman. Did the Yuen Clan not also gain power through a woman, and thus the bestowment of the large and luxurious Yuen Manor, and the high and powerful positions in Government for all your clan? Where would you all be without gaining power through a woman?”
“Lau Gan, you castrated low-life” bellowed Yuen Mo Kei, “Must you endeavour to discontinue my bloodline? Why, you low-life? Why? Even if I die, I shall become a ghost and haunt you for the rest of my life!”
Lau Gan’s voice was suddenly filled with rage. “Insult me all you want! I have had more than enough of insults in my life but I have never wavered! Castrated dog I may be but you do not fare any better. I shall order continuous monitoring of you at all times and will not let you swiftly end your own life! You and what is remaining of your clan will rot in here until you die slowly and painfully! I will torture you when I want, and starve you when I want! I want you and your family to suffer the worst of the worst until your last breath! You and I will both share the same fate and have no sons to carry on our bloodline! Yuen Mo Kei! Don’t blame me! You caused your own undoing! You have no one to blame but yourself!”
Yuen Mo Kei cursed, “Lau Gan! You dog! May you be plagued by your victims in your sleep! May you be tormented by their faces when you eat! May you die by death from a thousand cuts! May you be casted into the depths of the Eighteenth Level of Hell after your pitiful existence!”
But Lau Gan’s cold laugh echoed hauntingly across the prison walls as the voice went further away until it finally disappeared when its owner left the premises.
Yuen Mo Kei collapsed in distraught and repeated desperately, “Why? Why? Why?”
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Author's Note:
Just merely expressing the common view of eunuchs during the old times, I have absolutely no intention of degrading or insulting eunuchs. Hope no one got offended. :bow:
Sorry. I got distracted from updating by the Tokyo tsumani. I had to track down a few friends first. Found all of them now. Phew! :hug:
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Four:
Cast of Appearing Characters
Kuk Yuen Yau - Lelia Tong Ling
Suen Nga Yin - Natalie Tong See Wing
Yuen Mo Kei - Sharon Chan Man Chi
Yiu So Sum – Tavia Yeung Yi
Cheung Wan Sheung – Nancy Wu Ding Yan
The long night eventually passed and the residents of Beijing had begun to stir. No doubt, they had all heard the big commotion of the previous night, but no one dared look out of their windows to check. The plum- coloured blood-stains had now been buried under the bright-white morning snow, disguising all tracks of horses, and carts and footsteps of the night before. The fallen bodies had been removed and the only traces that remained of the fight before were the small bits missing from the building walls and the sealed doors of the once powerful Yuen Manor.
Two pieces of yellow paper with red writing were pasted on the large crimson front doors in a criss-cross, officially telling everyone that no one was allowed to enter the building without government permission. Not one asked why because inside their hearts, they already knew the answer. Whether Eastern Faction or the Brocade-Clad guards – it did not matter. All those taken were never seen again.
While life outside the palace walls was haunted with fear and suspicion, the Forbidden City was like a totally different world. The funeral of the previous Emperor had long passed and the new Emperor had already begun to enjoy his new position and luxuries. Entertainers has been invited from all over the countries to keep the Emperor amused – whether magic performances, acrobatic performances, puppet shows, or even exotic dance troupes; they came one after the other, day after day. The Outer Court was a busy place. But no place was more vibrant and exciting than the Enclosed Palace where the women of the Emperor resided.
No flowers were in bloom in the gardens of the Palace of Eternal Peace. No birds sung for they had all flew south for the warmer climate. It was a cold morning and everyone was still huddled in their warm beds. Not everyone liked the cold. But there was one exception. Kuk Yuen Yau sat before her open window and watched the snowflakes float gently across the garden. She laughed as they balanced delicately on the waters of the lotus pond. She laughed as they brushed softly against her nose and it tickled. She was easily amused.
“Yuen Yau!” called a gentle voice from behind. Kuk Yuen Yau turned her head and smiled at her new friend. “Good morning, Nga Yin!” Suen Nga Yin smiled back as she got up next to her friend on the large wooden chair. The two young girls hugged each other and watched the dancing snowflakes together.
“What are you doing up so early in the morning? Aren’t you cold?” asked Suen Nga Yin with curiosity. She was freezing for the palace maids had not yet arrived to help her dress. Over her thin undergarments, she only had a padded cloak on, but huddled together with Kuk Yuen Yau, it made the cold morning much more bearable.
“Don’t you think that this peaceful scene is wonderful?” exclaimed Kuk Yuen Yau, pointing a slender finger at the snow-filled tree tops, and the morning light reflecting gently off the white surfaces. “Once everyone else gets up, it will be too noisy. Plus, those palace maids will begin to sweep the snow away soon and such scenery would not be seen until the next morning.”
“You silly goose!” teased Suen Nga Yin, “Don’t let the other ladies hear you or they will laugh at you!”
“Hear what?” said another clear voice, and other young girl jumped onto the large wooden chair that supported them. The other two did not expect this and jumped with fright.
“Yee Ha!” they both shrieked, “Don’t creep up on us like that! Your feet are like that of a small fox – always tiptoeing around us stealthily all day long! You could scare us to death like this!”
So Yee Ha chuckled innocently at her prank and getting down off the chair, she bowed playfully to her two friends and announced, “My sincere apologies to Honoured Lady Suen and Honoured Lady Kuk! May you grant forgiveness to your lowly companion who wishes you peace and health!”
The two girls giggled and replied, “We forgive you, Honoured Lady So! But not without punishment!” and with that, they both jumped off their seating and chased So Yee Ha around, tickling her till she snorted with laughter. “Very unladylike, Honoured Lady So!” said Kuk Yuen Yau, “What will the Emperor say of you?” All three giggled as they chased each other around innocently.
Two young maids hurried into the room. “My ladies!” one of them said. “What are you all doing up at this hour? Quickly get dressed or you will all get a cold!” And the two gathered the three young mistresses and guided them to the warmth of the heaters.
“So Sum!” pouted Kuk Yuen Yau as she sat down before the mirror to have her hair combed, “You are so nagging!” Yiu So Sum bowed her head in disgrace and said quietly, “It is my responsibility to look after you Honoured Ladies. If anyone of you got sick, I would have to take the punishment from my superiors and I don’t want to.”
So Yee Ha teased, “Oh, Yiu So Sum! Stop being so serious! You are only four years older than us but act like our mother! Why aren’t you nice and cheerful like Wan Sheung here? She’s only eight months younger than you!” So Yee Ha leaned back and smiled at the maid that had efficiently managed to pin her hair into simple bun and was now applying hair accessories.
The maid smiled sweetly at her mistress, “Cheung Wan Sheung thanks Honourable Lady So for her compliments! But if you don’t get up soon, Honourable Lady Suen going to kick you out of your chair because she wants her hair done too!”
“You mischievous little maid!” exclaimed So Yee Ha, “Let me smack your mouth!” She laughed as she gently tapped Cheung Wan Sheung on her lips.
“Will you all stop this Honourable Lady nonsense?” cried Suen Nga Yin, who was seated patiently on her bed and swinging her dangling feet just above the ground. “Honourable Lady is only a meaningless title! We have been in the Imperial Palace for four months already and have not even seen the shadow of the Emperor! We are only his consorts in title. As far s I am concerned, you and I and all of us here are just the same. Just young girls stuck together in a pretty bird cage. Just call us by our names and we will call you by your names. Oh! I am so bored!” she yawned and leaned backwards onto her bed, spreading her arms out in relaxation.
Yiu So Sum replied, “Whether true consort or not, you are all officially recognised as the Emperor’s consorts. It is only a matter of time before the Emperor requests your services. It is so with the eighty young mistresses that has entered the Imperial Palace during these four months.”
Kuk Yuen Ha tapped her Yiu So Sum gently on the shoulder and pointed to the blue outfit on the clothes rack, “I want to wear that one!”
As Yiu So Sum went to fetch the blue outfit, Kuk Yuen Ha sighed, “I don’t know what is keeping the Emperor! So bored! Every day, we just wait and wait and wait! If not being put with you all, I would be bored to death already! I hope we get to see him soon!” And she had a worried look on her face.
“Ha! Someone wants thinking about her husband already!” mocked So Yee Ha, who had already put on a pink outfit and jumped behind Kuk Yuen Ha, placing both hands firmly on her shoulder.
“Ah! Stop doing that!” cried Kuk Yuen Ha, “Or are you trying to punish me for thinking about YOUR husband?” and she teased her friend back.
“Who cares, the Emperor is husband to like a million women!” said So Yee Ha, moving away to allow Yiu So Sum access to dress Kuk Yuen Yau. “I just hope he is handsome and smart!”
“The Emperor is currently being entertained by festivities celebrating his coronation!” informed Cheung Wan Sheung, “Once he is done, he will celebrate with his consorts!”
Suen Nga Yin who had her hair done already and was choosing what outfit to wear, scoffed, “Don’t really care. Hope breakfast is ready!” All the girls giggled at this and continued in preparing their appearances for the day.
All the three maidens were at the tender age of seventeen – all innocent, naïve and simple. They were too young to understand what circumstances they were lined up for already. What was love? What was romance? What was hate? What was jealousy? They did not understand the loneliness of being an Imperial Consort trapped in a golden prison, or the pain of sharing a single husband with numerous women. They did not perceive the dangers that lurked behind the beautiful appearance of the Forbidden City or the surprises that fate had in store for them.
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Author's Note:
What sort of story about the Forbidden City would be without the presence of imperial concubines?
So here they are!
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Five:
Cast of Appearing Characters
Lung Tin Kwun – Felix Wong Yat Wah
Chan Hong – Derek Kwok Ching Hung
Yuen Ho – Pierre Ngo Ka Nin
In some hills away from Beijing, a group of lumpy makeshift tents had propped up hurriedly by sticks. Their owners were in a hurry for they had just spent the last two days fleeing for their lives. Out of the thirty men that had been selected for the mission, only twelve remained. Lung Tin Kwun sat cross-legged before the dimming fire in silence with both eyes closed. He had been doing that for the last three hours. Suddenly, he leaned backwards and then spat out a mouthful of fresh red blood.
But he was not alarmed. That night, Lau Gan had injured his pericardial regions and the congealed blood had blocked his central energy channel. If he did not force out the congealed blood, he could not bring the internal energy up from his meridian for circulation and increase his rate of recovery.
Lung Tin Kwun finally opened his eyes. It was bright. It was not yet noon but the bright sun was shining. It had not shone this brightly for a long time. One of his underlings approached him, “Big Brother, how are your injuries? Will you be alright to travel?”
Lung Tin Kwun grinned slightly and replied, “It would take much more than a palm attack from that castrated dog to kill me! I am fine! I just brought up the last lot of congealed blood clogging my qi channels. Within three days, my martial arts should be back to normal. How are the rest of the brothers?”
The man sighed and reported, “They are fine but all injured. But I still think it is best for us to hurry back to Gan Su and hide in our mountains. The Eastern Faction people are bound to catch to us soon if we dally for too long!”
Lung Tin Kwun placed a comforting hand on the man’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, Chan Hong! I will get all our remaining brothers back to Gansu if it is the last thing I do! But how is that little brother doing? Take me to see him!” And the two men got up and walked towards an open tent.
Chan Hong reported, “He still has not awoken and his body is weak. But we have regularly cleaned up and bandaged his wounds, but each time we move him for travel, they break open bleed. I still cannot get a look at the projectiles that hit him. I only can gather that they are sharp and feel hard.”
Yuen Ho groaned with pain in his comatose sleep. He did not know where he was but the scenes of his family been beaten and captured played continuously in his mind. His clothes were covered with dried blood. He was laid on his back with bandages wrapped tight around his right shoulder and all over his legs which were beginning to spot with blood.
“It is my fault!” exclaimed Lung Tin Kwun. “If he had not risked his life to shield me, then it would be me who would be lying here conscious and on the brink of death.” Kneeling down beside him, he continued, “Let me have a look at what vicious weapons Eastern Faction is using!” With a sharp knife, he cut open the bandages of Yuen Ho’s right leg and prised open the wound with his fingers. Yuen Ho moaned.
Placing one hand over the wound, Lung Tin Kwun summoned up his qi and directly it, and then quickly directed it elsewhere. All of a sudden, small pieces of white matter broke free from the wound and stuck to Lung Tin Kwun’s outstretched hand. Yuen Ho moaned again as his leg began to bleed.
Lung Tin Kwun brought his hand into the sunlight so he could see the projectiles more clearly. Chan Hong also leaned closer to get a better look at the gleaming fragments. Chan Hong squinted his eyes and asked, “Is that what I think it is?”
“Yes.” answered Lung Tin Kwun, brushing the bits of his hand. “My fault again. If I had not forced that old bandit to use up all his metal bearings, then maybe he wouldn’t have resorted to using this.” He looked Chan Hong in the eye and said, “Lau Gan must have broken up whatever was handy at the time, and in this case, a white jade tablet, and used it as projectiles. That old bandit has powerful internal energy, and has been able to send them deep into the flesh. But it is even more deadly than those rounded metal bearings for these jade fragments all have sharp edges that will damage his legs if we dig them out.”
“Wow!” cried Chan Hong, “So we have to leave him with these jade bits stuck in his legs forever?”
Lung Tin Kwun shook his head sadly responded, “I am afraid not. His wound will never heal if we leave them in him. We have to take them out or he will die. I have an idea! Come and help me! Take me to that cave you told me about yesterday.” And the two men lifted Yuen Ho onto their shoulders and took him outside.
There was a large cave nearby that was surrounded by strange long rocks that stuck out form the ceilings and the walls were dripping with moisture. It had come from the large pool of water that was hidden behind the large rocks. It looked crystal clear and gleamed gently with the little sunlight that was able to get into the cave. Lung Tin Kwun and Chan Hong lifted the unconscious Yuen Ho into the save and placed him beside the water.
“Now what?” said Chan Hong.
Lung Tin Kwun grinned at him and replied, “Take off his clothes and drop him into the water!”
“What?” exclaimed Chan Hong with surprise.
“Drop him into the water!” repeated Lung Tin Kwun, taking off his outer clothes. “I can only have one chance at forcing out the jade fragments with my internal energy. Any more than one try might drive the fragments into other places. I expel them in a single short and powerful go. But if I do it on dry ground, then he would bleed to death once the jade fragments break out, but in the cold water, they will help stop the bleeding and close up the wound.”
Chan Hong looked at his leader with doubt, “You sure about this? You only just recovered from your injuries. Shouldn’t we wait til after we get back to Gansu when your injuries are better and then try?”
Lung Tin Kwun laughed and answered, “Well. You get injured once and recover. If you get injured twice, then you just have to wait longer to get better. Besides, you said it yourself, his wounds tear each time we move him. He would not survive the journey back to Gansu and I won’t let him die like that!” And with that, Chan Hong obediently removed most of Yuen Ho’s clothes and bandages and lowered him gently into the icy water.
Lung Tin Kwun was already submerged and he caught Yuen Ho just before he hit the bottom. Summoning up his energy, he placed both palms over Yuen Ho’s back and began. To Chan Hong who was looking onwards from the rocks, it was a magnificent sight. Ripples began to form around the submerged duo and all of a sudden, streaks of white radiated from Yuen Ho’s wound and shot sideways with great speed like sunbeams escaping from a tiny hole in a wall.
It was all over in a few seconds and Lung Tin Kwun swam to the bank, dragging the insentient Yuen Ho behind him.
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Author's Note:
Is anyone reading this? :confused:
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Six:
Cast of Appearing Characters
Lau Gan – Surprise
Tse Chin – Law Lok Lum
Lau Geen – Kenneth Tsang Kong
Kuk Him Yu – Lawrence Ng Wai Kwok
Meanwhile, it was a stressful time in the Outer Court. The officials had been standing there at The Gate of Heavenly Reverence since before daybreak even though it was well known that Court will not officially start till two hours later. And they all knew that they were not permitted to leave til well after. They had to stand there silently in Court from pre-dawn to post-dusk for twelve to fourteen hours a day when not called upon by the Emperor to enter the Hall of Heavenly Reverence. It had been the new rule for four months as per the new Emperor’s orders to show increased respect for the Court and for them to be available just in case the Emperor has urgent matters to discuss – so as it seems. Deep down, they all knew who was behind these malicious orders.
Suddenly, a loud voice announced, “Supreme Commander Eunuch Lau has arrived!” All the ministers entered the Great Hall in two lines and knelt in sync while they ground their teeth with frustration. As per the Emperor’s orders, Lau Gan now was in charge of the Imperial Seal, able to make decisions for the Emperor in his absence and represented the Emperor in his absence. The Emperor was always absent from Court and Lau Gan always took his place where the entire court of top-ranked ministers had to now to him. It was the law. And Lau Gan enjoyed it.
The ministers got up from their knees and straightened their uniform as footsteps approached from behind the dark curtains and stood behind them. They could not see his face but he could see them through the translucent curtains. He never lit candles from behind the curtains so they could not see his expressions and guess his thoughts. He hated being predictable.
The ministers all looked sideways at one another as they silently acknowledged the absence of several things in Court today. Firstly, the Dragon Throne was gleaming brightly as it stood empty on its lonely Royal platform. That was not unusual. But secondly, all thirteen spots where Yuen Mo Kei and his relations used to stand were now empty.
From behind his curtain, came Lau Gan’s voice. “The Emperor has other matters to attend to today and will not be present at Court today. Let the ministers report important matters here now and I will make decision the minor matters. Any major matters, I will relay your thoughts to the Emperor later after Court! Speak!” he ordered. That was what he always said in the beginning of Court, but how much information was actually relayed to the Emperor? Did the Emperor know at all?
A brave minster made the first move and stepped forward to report, “I, Tse Chin, Minister of the Grand Secretariat as well as Royal Tutor, have something to enquire. May I ask where the missing thirteen members of the Ministry of Revenue are today, including Head Minister of Revenue, Yuen Mo Kei?”
Lau Gan’s cold voice retorted, “Ex-Head Minister of Revenue, Yuen Mo Kei, has been taken into custody by the Eastern Faction late last night along with all members of his family for questioning. They will not be returning any time soon until all concerns have been satisfied. I suggest the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel to urgently send through a list of candidates for those thirteen vacant positions so the Emperor can decide without delay.”
Another minister stepped out. “Head Minister of Personnel, Lau Geen, wishes to enquire, on
what charges has the Yuen family been accused of? And does the Emperor know about their arrest without due process?”
A middle-aged man with a black beard stepped out, “Yes, Kuk Him Yu, the Secretary of Justice reports that there has been no notification of this charges of yet!”
“Silence!” commanded Lau Gan, “The Yuen family has been alleged of treason to the Great Ming! The law permits the Eastern Faction to immediately take anyone into custody for any allegation of treason, without being delayed by whatsoever due process required by the Ministry of Justice.”
Tse Chin asserted, “But Yuen Mo Kei is a high second-ranked official, and his sons Yuen Lun, Yuen Chiu, Yuen Hong and Yuen Long are all third-ranked officials - all pillars of the Court that have served the Ming Empire well for decades! Surely they should be given a true trial in Penal Court before any punishment or torture is applied!”
Kuk Him Yu added, “I agree! Such serious allegations need to be well proven with evidence and eye-witness statements! I formally request for all related to the Yuen family treason case to be released to the custody of the Ministry of Justice so a fair trial can be given.”
“All related to the Yuen family treason case?” scoffed Lau Gan, “Does that include you then, Minister Kuk?”
Kuk Him Yu looked up with shock. “I beg your pardon?” What did he just get himself into?
Lau Gan reminded, “I hope you do remember that your wife is no other than the daughter of Yuen Mo Kei!”
“I… I…” stuttered Kuk Him Yu, unable to deny his relationship to his father-in-law. Lau Gan was trying to tie him to the whole case. Kuk Him Yu could feel the piercing stare coming from behind the curtains, looking at him.
“The only reason you are standing here unchained and free is that the Eastern Faction is overloaded with cases and if you are arrested, then the Eastern Faction will be even more busier taking over your work. There is not yet evidence to link you to the treason charges but I can assure you that the Eastern Faction knows how to do their job when they do!”
“Is that a threat to an Imperial minister, Supreme Commander Lau?” asked Lau Geen.
“No!” replied Lau Gan sharply, “I was merely outlining how the work process of Eastern Faction as Minister Kuk seems not to understand. Do you want me to explain it to you as well, Minister Lau? I am happy to explain in detail the internal proceedings of the Eastern Faction to any minister that queries our efficiency.”
Without a word, all three ministers backed down and settled back in line. Everyone else was too scared to say anything. How many of their colleagues had mysteriously disappeared under these so-called allegations of treason? True or fabricated, these allegations came handy when any minister deterred Lau Gan in Court.
“So all settled then! Since no one else wants to tell me how the Eastern Faction should do their job, all members of the Yuen family treason case will be handled by the Interrogation Court of the Eastern Faction without disruption from the Ministry of Justice. Next issue!”
Lau Gan’s words were final. No one dared say a further word on the matter. The ministers were secretly ashamed that they had come to being ordered around by a eunuch. Gone were the glorious days of Emperor Wang Chi’s reign where his wise decision created much benefit to the people and commanded respect from his ministers. Even though they had to display the bowing and kneeling etiquette to Lau Gan, none of the ministers respected him and they all wanted him to drop dead that moment. No able-bodied man would be happy kneeling before a eunuch, much less a controlling manipulative eunuch that the power of an Emperor. But where was the Emperor now?
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Author's Note:
One thing the historical Lau Gan was famous for was his psychological tactics. He did not always use force but instead used mental stress to wear out the ministers so they did not have the time and energy to plot against him. Sometimes, he would have them followed by the Brocade-Clad Guards to increase their stress levels. His constant unpredictability made him a fearful figure in history. I have had enough of loud and angry eunuchs from TVB series so I thought it would be interesting to include a chapter which shows Lau Gan’s dominance in court instead of just yelling like crazy or executing people. Shows his need for control and authority. I have to admit I have always like Lau Gan a lot even before I started writing this story and I have yet to find a TV portrayal of him that can show all of his tactics, intelligence and strengths. Most of them are just angry eunuchs. :mad: I want to show Lau Gan from a different perspective and why people were so terrified of him. :evillaugh
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Seven:
Cast of Appearing Characters:
Kuk Yuen Yau – Lelia Tong Ling
Suen Nga Yin – Natalie Tong See Wing
So Yee Ha – Sharon Chan Man Chi
Emperor Ching Dak – Matt Yeung Ming
Not too far away, loud festive music filled the Hall of Central Supremacy as the palace musicians displayed their talents on their instruments. Whether zither, lyre, qin, pipa, flute, or zheng, the music from each instrument fused harmoniously into a wonderful masterpiece that entertained Emperor Ching Dak’s concubines very much. But the Emperor’s eyes were focussed on the acrobatic performance that had specially been organised to celebrate his coronation. The ten acrobats performed amazing stunts at dangerous heights. On top of five tall terracotta jars stacked together, one lean acrobat stood on one leg while balancing another large jar on his crouched back. Then the other nine jumped over the jar while accomplishing a variety of difficult tasks like fire breathing, spinning plates, twirling ribbons and so on…
Meanwhile, twenty young maidens gathered anxiously outside the hall as they waited for permission to enter. They were all newly acquired Imperial Consorts from all over the country. Dressed in their best and decked with golden jewellery, they stood next to each other like summer flowers vying for attention with their vibrant colours and poses.
Suen Nga Yin felt like she wanted to faint with all the excitement. After all, it was going to be the first time they were meeting the Emperor – the Son of Heaven. She had always heard from her father back in Zhenjiang that the Emperor shone like the sun with his golden clothes and the pearl from his golden crown gleamed like the moon. Everywhere he went, even in an unlit room; it was like the sun moving about. But then her grandmother had told her that the Emperor was always dressed in a robe of solid gold and moved stiffly about. Suen Nga Yin breathed rapidly as she felt the blood rushing up to her face. She was worried. How did it make her look? She was about the meet her husband, her support for the rest of her life. What if he didn’t like her at first glance?
So Yee Ha must have felt her anxiousness as she kicked her friend gently in the foot to bring her back to reality. So Yee Ha was nervous but she wasn’t too worried. In spite of all the fuss, she only wondered if he was tall and handsome or did he sport a long black beard like those she saw in painting. She did hear that the Emperor was only seventeen, just two months old than herself, But Emperors were like regular people, maybe they were all born with a long beard at birth? She dreaded if he turned out extremely ugly or hunchbacked. Should she bear with it or kill herself?
Kuk Yuen Yau stared quietly at her own feet and concentrated on the embroidered mandarin ducks in the intricate patterns. Her grandfather and father had already given her a brief description of the young Emperor when they informed her that she was selected for an Imperial Consort. She just hoped he was a good man and would be kind to her.
A middle aged eunuch came walking hurriedly from the Great Hall and taking a deep breath, he proclaimed, “The Emperor expresses consent for the Honoured Ladies to enter his presence!” And silently, he waved at them to begin walking. The fifty steps from outside the hall to the centre of the hall was not a long distance, but to these girls, it seemed like a never-ending journey. The acrobats had been dismissed to clear the floor and the musicians ordered to stop playing. The whole hall was so silent that the girls could hear their own footsteps on the brightly-polished floor.
Standing neatly in four lines, they curtseyed in time and repeated, “Greetings to the Emperor!” They dared not gaze up to look directly at the Emperor. Yiu So Sum and Cheung Wan Sheung had reminded them repeatedly of the etiquette that must be followed in the audience of the Emperor – once must never look directly at him unless being asked to. Back in the time of the Emperor Hung Mo, there was one Imperial Consort from Korea that did not of this etiquette and was cruelly beaten to death by rods. The girls dared not to make one mistake but all three were shaking unnoticeably underneath their long robes as they kept bent in the curtsey position.
A young voice rang out clear in the silence, “Rise, my consorts and raise your heads!” All twenty girls obediently raised their chins and looked up at where the voice came from. The Emperor was indeed young and handsome. He was clean-shaven with fair skin. His eyes shone brightly and seemed to twinkle at all of them as they met his eyes. He smiled mildly, also mischievously as he eyed each of his new consorts one by one. “Very well, be seated my consorts and join us for the next performance!”
The girls thanked him and sat in the prepared seat on the side. But none of them really paid much attention to the performances. Every now and then, the girls stole glances at their husband and at times, they caught him taking momentary looks in their directions and blushed as their eyes met. Kuk Yuen Yau felt her heart flutter each time she felt his piercing stare – never like she had felt before.
Soon the performance ended, and the girls stood up and curtseyed as the Emperor left his seat. Suen Nga Yin peeked up fleetingly and noticed that he was glancing in their direction while whispering to the middle-aged eunuch that showed them in. The strange thing was that the eunuch was also looking at them whilst nodding at the Emperor’s instructions. Suen Nga Yin blushed. He must be talking about me. He must be! But then the Emperor just left the hall without turning his head.
At this stage, the middle-aged eunuch proclaimed, “The Honoured Ladies may return to the Palace of Eternal Peace for the night!” All the girls breathed a sigh of relief – it was finally all over. But then the eunuch continued, “All expect for Honoured Lady Kuk. The Emperor wishes her to travel to the Palace of Heavenly Purity to serve him tonight!”
There were gasps of surprise as all the other nineteen unchosen maidens stared at Kuk Yuen Yau. Kuk Yuen Yau couldn’t believe her ears. She looked around at her friends. It was very strange as they felt an invisible barrier between them had suddenly appeared. Kuk Yuen Yau felt elated or maybe even a little proud. As for So Yee Ha, she congratulated her friend with a smile but maybe she was just a little bit jealous. Suen Nga Yin did not say a thing. And Kuk Yuen Yau was led away by the eunuch while the rest advanced back to their accommodation.
The Imperial Chamber was in the centre of the Palace of Heavenly Purity. The tall roof was supported by magnificent red pillars that seem to reach the sky. The Imperial Chamber was separated from the Outer Chamber by a series of transparent embroidered separators with long gold curtains all around. Kuk Yuen Yau had been already bathed and redressed by a team of palace maids, and then left alone in the chamber awaiting the Emperor’s arrival.
She tried to calm her anxiety by walking around but she could not help but jump when some eunuch announced, “The Emperor has arrived!” and a pair of strong arms grabbed her from behind. The young playful face of her husband rested on her shoulder and moved closer to kiss her. Kuk Yuen Yau closed her eyes.
Back in the Palace of Eternal Peace, Cheung Wan Sheung had assisted So Yee Ha to bed and blew out the lamps. She was about to leave when So Yee Ha called out to her, “Wan Sheung!”
“Yes?” she replied. In the dim moonlight invading the room, she could see that So Yee Ha had sat up in bed. “Wan Sheung, do have any idea of how many consorts the Emperor can have during a lifetime?”
Cheung Wan Sheung answered wisely, “The Emperor is the Son of Heaven, the Heavenly Mandate. All women in the country belong to him, not to mention all in the Forbidden City. No one can tell many he can have or will have - as long as he requests, the supply will always meet the demand in abundance. Honoured Lady, I implore you to stop thinking too much about the matter. It is not anything that mere women like you and I can control or judge! Good night then, Honoured Lady!” and she closed the doors and left.
Suen Nga Yin lay silently alone in her bed. She did not speak a single word since the eunuch took Kuk Yuen Yau away. She was so sure that the Emperor was looking at her back in the hall. It was a strange night for all of them. After all, they were at an age where love and romance were new things to experience. And so was jealousy.
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Author's Note:
Emperor Ching Dak (Zhengde) was a jerk in real life and I hate his guts. But the Emperor needs to appear to have this story to make sense. For those who are worried that this story will turn into a catfight about concubines, be assured – nothing of that sort will happen. I hate catfight and I have no idea on how to write about catfights. I think they are pointless. But how can you have a palace story without talking about jealousy between concubines? The story will quickly move along into the actual fighting of wulin people. :starwars:
Off track: My lecturer passed away suddenly on Thursaday night. I am in a really bad mood. Still in shock. :crying:
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Eight:
Cast of Appearing Characters
Lung Tin Kwun – Felix Wong Yat Wah
Chan Hong – Derek Kwok Ching Hung
Yuen Ho – Pierre Ngo Ka Nin
Yuen Ho stirred as the fresh sunbeams hit his closed eyelids. His eyelid fluttered rapidly. They had not opened for several days. He closed his eyes immediately as the light was too bright and he shielded his face with his hand. His back felt stiff and sticky. He looked around the room he was placed in. It seemed like a narrow cave with its rocky walls and damp smell. But it seemed clean and inhabited for someone had brought in a table with some wooden chair.
Yuen Ho placed both hands on the bed and tried to sit himself up but intense pain radiated around his legs. What had happened? He looked down and saw both his legs bandaged tightly by greyish strips of cloth. What had happened to him? Worried, he ripped off the bandaged to look at the flesh underneath. He was frightened when he saw all the little scars that covered his legs. They were pink in colour so obviously the flesh was beginning to heal. He reached out one hand to touch it.
“Stop!” cried a voice as a slim man rushed in and grabbed his hand before he reached his leg. “Don’t touch it too much or the skin might break and bleed again!”
Yuen Ho looked at the man. He was sure he did not know who he was. “Who are you?” he asked as he squinted his eyes in the sunlight.
“My name is Chan Hong!” introduced the man as he put down on the bed a bundle of grey strips of cloth. “I am second-in-command in the Brotherhood of the Heavenly Dragons! Our big brother, Lung Tin Kwun, saved your life back in Beijing! Remember that castrated dog, Lau Gan?”
Then Yuen Ho realised and exclaimed, “You are one of those masked men outside Yuen Manor in Beijing!” Chan Hong nodded with pride but he did not expect what was about to happen. Tears begun to swell up in Yuen Ho’s eyes and all of a sudden, Yuen Ho fell off the bed and collapsed awkwardly on to his injured knees.
“Hey, watch it!” yelled Chan Hong, “Your legs are still weak! Get up at once!” But Yuen Ho wouldn’t.
“Hero Chan!” wailed Yuen Ho in despair, “Would you be able to tell me anything about my family? Are they still alive?” He still remembered his family being carted off that fateful night. He needed to know.
“What’s going on in here?” bellowed a loud voice. Yuen Ho looked towards the origin and a well-built middle aged man was standing in the doorway. He had large round deep-set eyes and a short but thick bristles protruded from his wide chin. His stare seemed to be fierce but once you look more closely, you would be able to detect the kindness that shone within them. He was no other than Lung Tin Kwun.
“Not my fault, Big Brother!” cried Chan Hong in innocence, “He woke up and knelt before me! I didn’t tell him to do it! He just won’t get up!” as he tugged upwards on Yuen Ho’s arms.
“Hero Lung!” exclaimed Yuen Ho with gratitude, now facing Lung Tin Kwun on his knees, “Thank you for saving my life! I owe you what I can never repay!” and he began to kowtow on the rocky floor.
Lung Tin Kwun rushed over to him and grabbed him from under both armpits. “Get up at once!” he persuaded, “You owe me nothing! If not for you shielding me from those projectiles, I might have lost my life that night! We are even! Get up now! And stop crying!” Yuen Ho refused to but Lung Tin Kwun lifted him up effortlessly and sat him down on the bed.
“Hero Lung! Hero Chan! Please tell me about my family!” pleaded Yuen Ho, wiping his tears with his dirty sleeve. “My Yuen family is deadly loyal to the Great Ming Dynasty! Thirty-one of their lives have already been lost. I must save my remaining family if they are alive or die avenging them if they are dead! Heroes, please tell me!”
Lung Tin Kwun beamed at him and slapped him encouragingly on one shoulder. “Spoken like a true man! Listen me, I tried to find out about your family but Lau Gan keeps them well hidden. But news from the Court seems to imply that they are alive, though imprisoned secretly by the Eastern Faction. Don’t worry, I will keep my spies on this matter and inform you if they are any advancements! And if there is a chance, I will make sure Lau Gan does not escape my blade again!”
Yuen Ho bowed in relief, “Thank heavens they are still alive! Thank you, Hero Lung! I owe you everything! Even if I die I cannot repay you two! Thank you, Hero Chan!”
Chan Hong commented, “Gees! You really make people feel awkward, don’t you? Stop this “Hero” business and call us “Big Brother!” and “Second Brother! That’s what we are used to!”
“That’s right!” added Lung Tin Kwun, “Quit the formalities! We are all sufferers under the corrupt manipulation of Lau Gan! No need for any thanks! Lau Gan’s crimes has upset everyone from the earth to the Heavens, there are endless numbers of people who want him dead. I will swear to not stop trying to kill him till my dying breath and bring peace to the people! That is the united aim of all our brothers!”
Yuen Ho said quietly, “Thank you, Big Brother! Thank you Second Brother!”
Lung Tin Kwun paused for a while, and then announced, “Great! Now that you have called me and Chan Hong “Big Brother” and “Second Brother”, you are officially part of the Brotherhood of the Heavenly Dragons! We are now joined in life and death!”
“What?” cried Yuen Ho. He could not help but gape in surprise.
Chan Hong smirked and explained, “Now that you have seen our faces, known our names and been told of our goal, you must either join our brotherhood or we might just have to kill you!” It was obvious that he was joking. And in a more serious tone he continued, “Look here! You want to kill Lau Gan! So do us! And it’s not like you can go anywhere else now! Those hounds are looking everywhere for you! Only here in our hidden mountains are you safe to rest and recover your strength for revenge!”
Yuen Ho hesitated. It was true. He has no place to go. He knew his auntie and uncle lived in Beijing but should he contact them? Or had the Eastern Faction been keeping them under surveillance as well? He was like a lonely leaf floating in the stream, powerless and helpless. There was no way, even if he had fully received, that he would be able to break though the numerous bodyguards Lau Gan and slit his throat. No way was he going to sacrifice his life for nothing. His family were still waiting for him to rescue them – wherever they were.
“Big Brother! Second Brother,” he proclaimed, “I, Yuen Ho, swear to be eternally loyal to you two and the Brotherhood of the Heavenly Dragons. I swear that I will join you in your cause or die trying!” And with that the three men clasped their right hands one on top of another in agreement.
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Author's Note:
Love Felix! But he always seems to get serious characters. I hope make Lung Tin Kwun a bit more friendly and jovial.
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Nine:
Cast of Appearing Characters
Kuk Yuen Yau – Lelia Tong Ling
Suen Nga Yin – Natalie Tong See Wing
Emperor Ching Dak – Matt Yeung Ming
So Yee Ha – Sharon Chan Man Chi
Yiu So Sum – Tavia Yeung Yi
Cheung Wan Sheung – Nancy Wu Ding Yan
Siu Kei Chi/Lau Kei – Sammul Chan Kin Fung
Many months had passed and Kuk Yuen Yau spent a lonely birthday within the palace. The Emperor had been pleased with her since their first night together and after spending a month of intimate whisperings in the middle of the night, she was promoted to a fourth-ranked Privileged Concubine, and awarded residence in a small lodge within the Palace of Abundant Longevity - much to the jealousy of the other girls. Concubinage was a common and widely-accepted practice since the beginning of time, but in truth, how many women can truly tolerate sharing her husband with many other women?
The Emperor had not summoned for her for a long time. She still had regular gifts of jewellery of exotic fruits but had not seen his face for at least two months. She was not allowed to go and find him. She could only wait. What had he not yet asked for her? It must be either those vixens Soo Yee Ha or Suen Nga Yin that had ganging up together against her to mesmerize him. It seemed only yesterday that they joked innocently of sharing the same husband. Why had they all turned against her? The palace was a lonely place. Being a medium-rank consort, she was not allowed any communication with the outside world. She had not heard from her parents for many months.
At that moment, a haughty voice was heard coming behind some trees, close to the pavilion where Kuk Yuen Yau was seated. “The Emperor wishes to hear me play the pipa tonight. Polish it well and make sure the strings are tuned!”
Kuk Yuen Yau felt a tinge of jealousy as she cut into the conversation, “You can polish and tune all you want. Wondrous music can only come out if the musician has an honest heart. But if the musician has a selfish and evil heart, then all that comes out of the instrument is only noise” And she stepped up regally onto the footpath to her challenger.
Yiu So Sum bowed and greeted her, “Greetings to Lady Kuk! So Sum must go and do work for Lady Suen now! Please excuse me for not staying to serve you!” She was now the personal maid of Suen Nga Yin. She knew better than to stay around when a heated conversation was about to explode.
Suen Nga Yin waved her hand to permit her absence. Decked in gold hairpins and fine brocade, she seemed like a high and mighty phoenix, ready to strike. “I will not lower myself to argue with such an unreasonable person. It will tarnish my fifth-rank status as a Cultured Concubine!”
“Some dream that people have - a vixen dreaming of becoming a phoenix.” Said Kuk Yuen Yau walking up to her rival and veered close to her face, “No matter what methods you try, you can never sprout wings and take to the sky!”
“Ha!” said Suen Nga Yin moving away, “Vixen or phoenix – who are you to say? I am only doing what my duty as a consort requires - what the Emperor wishes.”
“Then what about your duty as a friend? The Emperor is my husband! I was the first to serve him as a consort! How can you betray me and steal him away from me?” Kuk Yuen Yau said fiercely.
“Don’t forget that he also my husband!” she retorted, “Just because I am your friend, does it mean that I have to wallow in loneliness til old age while you and the Emperor act like lovebirds? Have you spared any thought for me when you are accompanying the Emperor? I too have a right be loved and pampered by my own husband! ”
“Then why deny me my right too?” snapped Kuk Yuen Yau, “Why do you have to slander me before the Emperor and damaging our relationship?”
“Don’t frame me for your own misfortunes!” cried Suen Nga Yin indignantly, “I did no such thing!”
“Yes, you did!” and the two carried on with their exchange of words.
Suddenly, someone yelled, “Silence both of you!” Both quickly hushed down and curtseyed in respect. The Emperor had arrived! But around his arm was entangled So Yee Ha.
“Why ruin a lovely afternoon like this with your irritating screaming and shouting? You both give me headaches! Go back to your residences at once! I don’t want to see either of you for the rest of the day! Go now! I don’t want to hear another word from either of you! Get out of my sight!” His tone was not soft and mannered like in the past. He was really bellowing at them.
So Yee Ha was always the calm one. She knew better than to argue with other women before her own husband. There was no point in it. No man liked a loud-mouthed woman and certainly not the Emperor who could have any woman he wanted. She saw through the superficial bickering between consorts. She only wanted to be with her handsome husband when she had the chance. That’s why even though she felt for her two friends; she did not say a word of to ease the situation. It would only make the Emperor detest her as well. That’s why even though she was one of the last ladies of her group to serve the Emperor; she had no problem climbing to the status of a Privileged Lady.
Behind her, Cheung Wan Sheung signalled silently to the two consorts who were kneeling in fear. It was no use explaining. The Emperor was not a patient person nor was he an understanding person. Just the other day, he bumped into an Exquisite Lady in one of his rages and though it was his fault, he had her casted into a well. It was better for them to leave now than to enrage him further. The two ladies understood the signal and quickly left without a word.
Then as if nothing had happened at all, he cooed tenderly to Soo Yee Ha “My beloved, let us continue to admire these lovely flowers!” and the party walked on.
Kuk Yuen Yau ran crying to her room. What did he treat her like this? Why did he have to humiliate her before so many people? She collapsed onto a chair and put her head on her dressing table.
“Are you alright, Lady Kuk?” asked a gentle voice. She turned around and a young eunuch was bending down and looking at her tenderly. His simple words of concern brought some warmness back to her heart. Since her promotion, Yiu So Sum and Cheung Wan Sheung were not assigned to serve her. Instead, a friendly young eunuch called Siu Kei Chi was appointed to follow her everywhere and to serve her. Now, he was her only friend and confidant.
Wiping her tears from her eyes, she exclaimed, “Oh! Siu Kei Chi! I don’t know how to survive within this palace anymore! Everyone changes with a blink of an eye! One minute a person could be tender and loving and then in the split of a second, he could be ferocious and unreasonable!”
Siu Kei Chi bent down to his knees and looked up at her, “Lady Kuk. The palace is such a place. The Emperor is such a person. There is nothing that you can do to change it. All you can change is yourself!”
Kuk Yuen Yau looked at him in disbelief. “But I don’t want to become conniving and two-faced! I’d rather die than lower myself to their standards! I’d rather never ever see the Emperor again but I will not betray my character! I wish I had never entered the Imperial Palace!” She felt disgusted when she saw Suen Nga Yin’s haughtiness and So Yee Ha’s coldness. She even felt appalled when she realised she was letting jealousy get a hold of her.
Siu Kei Chi hesitated for a moment. “I know Lady Kuk is discontent with the recent circumstances. But you must see the Emperor when you have a chance.” Lowering his volume, he whispered, “I have news from your father! Your grandfather and his whole clan have been arrested for treason by the Eastern Faction and Yuen Manor has been confiscated. Minister Kuk asks for you to plead with the Emperor for their release!”
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Author's Note:
Jealousy between concubines is bound to happen. Not really interested in writing about it this would be a passing moment.
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Ten:
Cast of Appearing Characters
Siu Kei Chi – Sammul Chan Kin Fung
Kuk Yuen Yau – Lelia Tong Ling
Yiu So Sum – Tavia Yeung Yi
Cheung Wan Sheung – Nancy Wu Ding Yan
In the eastern garden of the Palace of Abundant Longevity, Kuk Yuen Yau could not sleep as she reminisced about her grandfather. Yuen Mo Kei was the most caring grandfather you could find within the city of Beijing– he was kind and forgiving and had many stories to tell.
She was his favourite granddaughter, he said, as she reminded him of his elder daughter, who died many years ago. Often he would ask her parents to allow her live in Yuen Manor for many months at a time, for she brought great joy to him. She would wait patiently for him to return from Court each day and he would tell her tale after tale of heroic war battles or tragic demises of the previous dynasties. In fact, she felt more at home in Yuen Manor than in her actual home. But now, her grandfather and uncles were sitting on rough dry straw in a prison cell while she was lying on soft and warm silk bed sheets. She had to save them. But how?
Suddenly, an idea sprang into her mind and she jumped up from her bed. “Siu Kei Chi?’ she called.
“What is the matter, Lady Kuk?” For many nights, Siu Kei Chi had stayed beside her bed to keep her company. He was now lighting the candles for visibility.
She cried excitedly, “Do you remember a scroll that I had brought over from the Palace of Eternal Peace? It has a backing of light-blue embroidered brocade. I brought it from my home when I entered the palace! Fetch it for me please!”
Siu Kei Chi knitted his eyebrows in thought. “I think I put somewhere here ….” And he rushed off to another part of the room to fetch it. Sure enough, he returned with the scroll in his hands.
Kuk Yuen Yau’s eyes twinkled with the reflection of the candlelight as she hurriedly untied the scroll and unrolled it. She laughed gleefully. Looking up at Siu Lei Chi with hope, she announced, “Siu Kei Chi! This time my family will saved!”
Before he had the time to enquire why she was so excited, there was an abrupt clamour of loud gong beating and yelling. “Intruder in the Imperial Palace!” “Catch him! Catch him!” Siu Kei Chi and Kuk Yuen Yau hurried towards the window and peered outside to see what was going on. They could see the increasing red glow of lanterns outside their wall and the sound of undistinguishable cries of men bursting into the courtyard.
But suddenly, a dark shadow appeared close to their window and before they could do anything, the person in black had leapt inside. Two more armed eunuchs quickly burst through the door and engaged in a heated battle with the masked intruder. Siu Kei Chi pushed Kuk Yuen Yau against the wall and protected her with his body as they watched the three people destroying the room in their scuffle.
The masked intruder was a skilled fighter. Armed with a retractable silver spear, the mysterious person had no trouble fending off both eunuchs armed with long swords, but they were doing a good job to keep the intruder occupied until reinforcements arrived. The intruder backed further in the room as five more armed eunuchs joined the fight, and as though sensing the longer the fight the greater the disadvantage, the intruder became fiercer in combat and forced the eunuchs to spread out within the room.
Siu Kei Chi huddled against his mistress and he shielded her from bits of flying debris. Kuk Yuen Yau screamed as a bloodied eunuch lay dead before her eyes. Siu Kei Chi quickly pulled her away as the combatants got closer. Suddenly, the intruder saw it and leaping across the length of the room, managed to push Siu Kei Chi away and take Kuk Yuen Yau hostage.
With the tip of the spear at Kuk Yuen Yau’s neck, the intruder cried out, “Let me leave or she dies!” So the intruder was a female.
But the armed eunuchs laughed and shouted, “We have orders from Head Commander Yau to take you alive at any cost! I don’t think the Emperor will be sad for long!” Without warning, one of them sliced their sword right at Kuk Yuen Yau, who would have been killed had the intruder not pulled her sideways in time. She pushed the ashen concubine aside as she continued her battle.
“How dare you?” cried Siu Kei Chi out of the blue, rushing forward at the eunuchs. It turned out that Siu Kei Chi was also a practitioner of martial arts as he quickly disarmed two eunuchs in surprise and injured them both. Then together with the masked female, they managed to kill the remaining six eunuchs in a short period of time.
All of a sudden, the masked intruder swung her spear across to face Siu Kei Chi. “Don’t think just because you helped me that I will trust you. If you tell anyone more about me, then I will return to take your life!”
Kuk Yuen Yau scampered behind Siu Kei Chi and faced the intruder. She cried hastily, “Don’t harm him! We won’t tell anyone. We only know that a masked intruder entered here and killed all seven eunuchs! We don’t know what gender or what weapon was used. I can give you my word!”
Siu Kei Chi added, “I only am concerned about Lady Kuk’s safety. Anything else I do not care about! Leave before more guards arrive!”
The woman retracted her spear and leapt out of the room but she was blocked. More armed eunuch guards had barged into the courtyard – at least twenty. There was no way that she could get out of here being so outnumbered. There was sharp whistle in the air and the intruder quickly ducked into the room as a shower of darts rained down the eunuchs. Then as quick as lightning, the intruder leapt high into the air where a whip suddenly appeared and wrapped around her waist, pulling her over the wall to safety.
Close by in another part of the Palace of Abundant Longevity, two masked figures dressed into a totally black tight outfit slipped into the empty maid’s quarters.
“Elder Sister!” whispered one of them, “You have been too careless! How can you sneak into the Lau Gan’s residence without telling me? Luckily he was out of the palace at the time. You could have been killed!”
The other girl removed her mask. It was no other than Yiu So Sum. “Wan Sheung, it is because I know Lau Gan would not be there that I dared to go there! Lau Gan killed my father! I will rather die trying to find evidence of his crimes than to live with my father’s grievances unavenged! “
Cheung Wan Sheung was getting quickly removing her back outfit, “I know your reasons, Elder Sister. That’s why I agreed to enter the Imperial Palace with you. But the palace is full of Lau Gan’s spies and guards. We cannot afford to take a step wrong lest we draw attention to ourselves. Think of your godfather!”
Yiu So Sum had already changed into her bedclothes. She sighed and agreed, “You are right! I will be more careful next time. Lau Gan’s crimes are numerous and plentiful, I will find a chance sooner or later!”
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Author's Note:
Lau Gan was responsible for many innocent deaths during his height of power. There were many grievances but no one dared speak out. But when he died, people rushed into the streets to buy his flesh for comsumption. :eek: That shows just how popular he was.
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Eleven:
Cast of Appearing Characters
Siu Kei Chi – Sammul Chan Kin Fung
Kuk Yuen Yau – Lelia Tong Ling
Emperor Ching Dak – Matt Yeung Ming
Yau Jui - Lau Kong
The previous night had been a terrifying experience for Kuk Yuen Yau and was bedridden with shock. But all was worth it as the Emperor had heard about the attack and came in person to visit her that very next morning to find out the details. He seemed to have forgotten his harsh behaviour the day before was and showed great concern for her through his sweet words. Kuk Yuen Yau could not bring herself to angry at him anymore. Maybe he was just in a bad mood.
“Your Majesty!” she said tenderly, “I wish to ask a favour of you!” She had not forgotten her task to save her family.
The Emperor put his arm around her shoulder and answered, “Ask away my beloved!” He was in a generous mood today.
But before she could ask, an old eunuch had interrupted the room and kneeling down with his head on the floor, he reported, “Yau Jui, Head Commander of the Eastern Faction pays his greetings to Your Majesty and Lady Kuk!” He dared not raise his head up from his kowtow.
To her surprise, the Emperor grabbed a bowl from a nearby table and flung it at the old eunuch. Yau Jui did not flinch when the bowl smashed into smithereens just before his head. “Old Yau, you brute!” he cried, “How do you govern your subordinates?” My beloved has told me all that happened yesterday! Your underlings dared risk the life of my beloved! And they still let the intruders get away? Tell me how should I punish you?”
Yau Jui slowly raised his body and muttered humbly, “I offer my apologies to Your Majesty and Lady Kuk. I do not know the details of what happened since all seven men involved have all died. But I believe they only risked Lady Kuk’s life due to the sensitive nature of the intrusion.”
The Emperor leaned forward and ordered, “Explain yourself!”
Yau Jui explained “The room the intruders broke into was no ordinary room in the Eunuch Administrative Bureau, but the study of Supreme Commander Lau which contains various documents of confidential matters. Since he is still away from the Imperial Palace at this stage, it is still hard to determine if anything of significance has gone missing. So I assume my men who died valiantly were only trying to make sure no classified information would be leaked out as it would endanger the stability of the Ming Empire. I am sure that if he were here, Supreme Commander Lau will support my theory. As for the remaining guards, they were ambushed by surprise and thus failed you. But as of now, all twenty-two Eastern Faction guards are all kneeling outside the room, waiting for your sentence!”
“All right then,” said the Emperor casually, “I will accept your reason as to endanger the life of my beloved concubine. What punishment should your guards receive for letting the intruders escape?” Turning to Kuk Yuen Yau, he asked, “How do you think I should punish them? Kill them? Whip them? Beat them? Tell me, my dove! Tell me!” he more he spoke, the more excited he was. Kuk Yuen Yau was speechless. How can he be so jovial when mentioning taking other people’s lives?
“I .. I am afraid I do not know, Your Majesty!” she stammered, “I guess they couldn’t help it that they were ambushed. It’s not their fault!”
“Nonsense!” cried the Emperor in an aroused manner, “Of course it is their fault! How can I trust them to protect my Inner Court in the future if they can’t even catch two mere intruders? I know! I order those twenty-two men to be caned heavily fifty times then stripped naked and hung outside in the sun for four hours!”
“Your Majesty!” cried Yau Jui in protest, “It is the duty of the Imperial Guards to secure the Imperial Palace! The Eastern Faction guards were just supposed to guard the Eunuch Administrative Bureau!” But the Emperor was too absorbed in his thoughts to listen.
“Yes!” he muttered wildly to himself, I’ll strip them naked first, and then cane them!” And laughing continuously to himself, he got up and left.
In the past, the Chancellor was in charge of processing and assisting the Emperor with government administration. But Emperor Hung Mo of the Ming Dynasty did not trust too much power to ministers and therefore the eradicated the position of Prime Ministers, and created the Eunuch Administrative Bureau to assist with running the country instead. The concept behind that was that eunuchs would have no ambition to usurp the throne since they will never have descendants and will be trapped till death within the palace walls, whereas whole men like ministers would.
The Eunuch Administrative Bureau was the heart of all twelve eunuch departments within the palace. But their duties did not merely lie with organisation and governing of eunuch activity within the Forbidden City. Its real purpose was to summarise and assess all government correspondence travelling in and out of Beijing. Their headquarters contained top-secret documents such as military routes and army camp positions, account from undercover whistleblowers and even classified record of secret events within the palace. As Lau Gan now held the Imperial Seal, all documents had to first pass by him before being presented to the Emperor, and were stored in his private study. A breach of security within the Eunuch Administrative Bureau was a serious matter.
Later that day, Kuk Yuen Yau and Siu Kei Chi were alone as he helped her drink the medicine prescribed for shock.
Kuk Yuen Yau was feeling a little better. “Siu Kei Chi, you risked your life to protect me! I will remember that in heart forever!” They had only known each other for a couple of months, but she always felt safe and comforted when he was around.
Siu Kei Chi averted his gaze. “Lady Kuk! I am only a servant. It is my duty to protect my mistress.” He bowed and backed away from the bed. But Kuk Yuen Yau reached out and held him back by his hands. He looked up in surprise.
Kuk Yuen Yau looked right in his face and asserted, “You and I have long surpassed the relationship between master and servant. You must never again mention before me again that you are only a servant! You are my best friend, my only friend within these palace walls! You are as dear to me as my own brother! You must remember that always!”
Siu Kei Chi was touched, but he paid attention to what came out of his mouth. “Thank you, Lady Kuk for your kind words. But Siu Kei Chi was destined to be only a servant since entering the palace three years ago. You are destined to be the mistress since you became the Emperor’s consort. Our lives and status were concreted long ago. Palace rules do not allow for friendship between master and servant. But I will always remember Lady Kuk’s words as I stand by you as your servant and protector!”
“Siu Kei Chi…” she murmured. She couldn’t understand why two people of different status could not openly be friends. Why do rules have to be so stringent? Why do the palace rules allow people to become enemies yet be so harsh when they want to be friends? She just could not understand.
But Siu Kei Chi pulled his hands free from Kuk Yuen Yau, he said softly. “Lady Kuk needs her rest. You still have the task of rescuing your family on hand! I will leave you to retire!” And bowing in respect, he walked out of the room.
Many people think that just eunuchs have incomplete anatomy, that they are different from men. But does a missing bit of flesh affect their heart and mind? They still have ambitions, yearnings and feelings. Within the cold enclosed walls of the Forbidden City, there is no difference between the hearts of eunuchs and the hearts of men. Eunuchs were still men.
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Author's Note:
As I said, Emperor Ching Dak is one sadistic man - probably because of the drugs he was taking.
Eunuchs and concubines are together all the time, some feelings are bound to develop even though no action is taken. :(
Okay. I am leaving my house for the airport now. Should be enough updates until get back! See you all later! :)
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Twelve:
Cast of Appearing Characters
Young Man with Spear – Kenneth Ma Kwok Ming
Leader of Attackers - Savio Tsang Wai Kuen
A pair of tired horses went galloping through the night as their riders urged them hurriedly on with their reins. They have had nothing to eat and have not rested for four hours. Luckily the area outside Baoding was full of flat plains and not rocky mountainous terrain or their tasks would have been much more gruelling. Both horses were aiming for the same destination; however, their riders did not have the same mission. The horses were getting weary and the first horse started slowly down. Following close behind at five hundred metres away, the second rider took the opportunity and whipped his horse to close the distance.
Without warning, the first rider flung a curved dagger behind him at his pursuer to deter him. The second rider did not stop his horse but ducked forwards as the spinning blade whirled just over his back and then spun around back to its master. The second rider quickly released a long wrapped weapon tied behind his back and shot it his opponent.
Clang! The first rider repelled the long golden spear just as his fingers gripped his newly-returned blade handle. But the spear returned for the second rider had tied a long rope to the end of it and was now flinging it back in attack. It missed the rider but managed to rip a small hole in baggage fastened to his back. The first rider hastily ripped the baggage from his back and secured it under his saddle.
“Damn it!” swore the rider riding on, “Who on earth are you and why have you been trying to kill me for the last thirteen days?
The second rider kept up and yelled back, “It is not your head I want but what you are carrying in that wooden box! Give me the box and you will never see me again!”
“Never!” cried the first rider, “My life depends on this package. If I lose it, I lose my head!”
“If you do not give me that package, I will cut your head off myself!” retorted the second rider firmly, “Once that package gets into the hands of Lau Gan, many innocent lives will be lost! Can you bear with that?”
Then unexpectedly, the first rider shouted the phrase, “Returning home clad in rich brocades!” shouted the first rider, and all of a sudden, ten men jumped out onto the road. They all had on a yellow-gold brocade vest that gleamed in the moonlight. Brocade-Clad Guards!
The first rider galloped unhindered on his journey as the Brocade-Clad Guards exposed their long swords. The second rider leapt off his horse as a large webbed net of steal chains was flung at him and wrapped his poor horse that collapsed onto the ground instantly, unable to move under the heavy weight.
“Die, you felons!!” bellowed the young man as he landed right in between them and lashed his golden spear. He was agile and nimble with the golden spear. None of the ten swords could even touch a hair on his head. Before long, he efficiently disarmed all of them and toppled them over by breaking one of their femurs with the sturdy handle of his spear.
Standing over his fallen opponents, he asked, “There is no way you can win over me! Are you really willing to die for that castrated felon, Lau Gan?” He did not want to slay them. He just could not understand why so many people were willing to lose their lives out of fear of Lau Gan. If he could only talk some sense into some of them, he would.
Then suddenly, all of them started shaking and spat out a fresh mouthful of blood. The young man stepped back stunned as all ten men had taken their own lives by biting off their own tongue. Then maybe that wasn’t so unanticipated. Whether it was the Eastern Faction or Brocade-Clad Guards, failure was not an option.
The young man found his horse and released him. Stroking the horse compassionately, he said, “Don’t worry! I think you have had enough for today! Let find a place to rest!” The black horse neighed in agreement as they trotted off slowly towards Baoding.
But the man dared not find an inn to stay in. There could be more hidden enemies waiting for him ahead. Passing by an abandoned temple, he decided it was the safest place to spend the night. With the minor hold-up with the Brocade-Clad Guards, there was no way he would still be able to keep up with his target. He may as well rest for the night and then double-up speed the day after.
But just as he entered the temple, he sensed something was not right. Pushing his horse aside, he somersaulted within the centre of the temple just as two sabres sliced at the tips of his hair. As expected, armed men jumped out from their hiding places all over the temple and attacked him. He spun around and blocked all attacks with the handle of his spear, then kicking aside three swordsmen that had lunged at him; he leapt at a broken window. But before he could make his exit, a man with two bronze double swords blocked him off and he was forced to leapt back into the myriad of blades.
The man with the double swords shouted insults at him. “You scum! You vermin of society! Men! Let us not allow this Eastern Faction spy to escape!” And then he joined the attack at full force as the others backed away. He was definitely the most skilled and the leader of these mysterious men.
“Wait!” shouted the young bewildered man whilst fending off his attackers with great difficulty, “Heroes! I think you are mistaken! I am not from the Eastern Faction!”
“We will not be deceived by your lies, you vermin!” puffed the leader between blows, “My men have seen the Eastern Faction spies gradually entering the area! Prepare to die!” And with that, he made such a powerful blow at his young opponent that despite being able to block the attack, slid backwards with the remaining force.
The young man was at his wits end. Then came an idea. “I can prove my identity! Sorry about this, Senior! My sincere apologies in advance!” The young man confidently started to aim his spear at his opponent’s legs with quick speed, forcing the man backwards. And then with a turn, he attacked the man’s upper torso, restricting him only to a defensive position.
But the leader took a big risk and locking the spear tip with one of his sword handles, he swiped at his young challenger with the other and the young man turned around as to leave. But all of a sudden, he spun around like lightning and somehow, he had freed his spear and thrust the spear tip right at the older man’s chest.
Clang! The golden spear tip hit the side of the thick bronze blade and pushed the older man towards the wall.
The older man was in shock! “You know how to use Yeung Family Spear?
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Author's Note:
For those who don't know the phrase "衣錦還鄉", it is a common phrase to describe a poor person who has worked hard away from home and has now returned to his hometown a success and clad in rich brocades to show off. In this chapter, I chose it as a code from the first rider to the Brocade-Clad Guards that he has obtained the object of his mission is now returning home with success. It is also a code for the Brocade-Clad Guards to come out and help him.
I had always thought out of all the younger generation of actors, Kenneth was the only one who gave me a wuxia feel. The others are too modern to give me the feeling of a wuxia hero who is both physcially active and cool at the same time. To me, Kenneth is so underated at TVB. So yay! Kenneth!
Does anyone need me to explain about the Yeung Family Spear? I hope not! :)
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Thirteen:
Cast of Appearing Characters:
Yeung Ming Hung – Kenneth Ma Kwok Ming
Nam Wai Dak - Savio Tsang Wai Kuen (cameo)
The young man withdrew his weapon and cupped his hands before his hand and declared, “Yes! It is indeed the Yeung Family Spear! I am sorry to have offended Senior with my clumsy attack but it was the only way to show you I am not with the Eastern Faction!”
Another man stepped forward and pointing his sword at him, said with suspicion, “How do we know that you are not an Eastern Faction hound who only knows a bit of the Yeung Family Spear to fool us?”
The leader waved him down and announced, “Nonsense! The Yeung Family are known for their prowess and loyalty! They will never be traitors to their country! Besides, this young fellow here is not only proficient with the spear, he also knows the Revolving Horse Thrust!” Then in a kinder tone to the young man, he asked curiously, “Who are you? To know the Revolving Horse Thrust, you must be from the Yeung family for they do not teach this secret skill to outsiders!”
The legendary Yeung Family Army was a well-known household name since the early Sung Dynasty. Originally serving the Northern Han Dynasty during its short-lived reign, they saw the sufferings of prolonged war and soon became loyal to the conquering Sung Dynasty for many generations by securing the northern borders against foreign invasion. However, their numbers dwindled as increasing numbers of casualties and they gradually disappeared from the battlefields. Rumour has it that they secretly settled in their hometown of Taiyuan as normal peasants. But the breath-taking legends of their gallantry and valour were never forgotten.
Seeing that these rough men meant no harm, he revealed his identity. “My name is Yeung Ming Hung from Anning, Yunnan! I am the Right Vanguard of the Yeung Family Army, directly under Military Commander Yeung Yat Ching of the Three Border Provinces!”
Cries of awe came from the men. Although Yeung Yat Ching was not from the direct lineage of the legendary Yeung generals, there were strong rumours that he was a descendant of one of the less superior officers in the army. He was not officially a military general but a civil governor; however he was skilled in combat and often led armies himself. He and his massive army were based in the Three Border Provinces as a major resistance force against rebellions from the Mongolians and Hui people. He was well known for his mercy and tactical prowess. Even though he was a literary official, he was nicknamed “General Yeung”. He was known in the wulin world as one of the Four Heroes - “The Loyal General”
The leader exclaimed, “I had the chance to catch a glimpse of General Yeung in my younger days! I am Nam Wai Dak from Shanxi. So what brings you here, young nephew?” The atmosphere had totally changed once Yeung Ming Hung’s identity was disclosed.
Yeung Ming Hung said, “I am on a mission to pursue and retrieve a roster regarding names of military officials still loyal to the Great Ming Empire and not that traitorous dog, Lau Gan! It was leaked from our army back in Ningxia by a filthy spy. Even though we managed to apprehend and execute the traitor, he had already sent the roster via the secret courier service!”
“Lau Gan! That criminal!” spat Nam Wai Dak in an undeliberate disruption.
He continued “I have been chasing the courier for twenty-seven days already and I had managed to catch up with him thirteen days ago, but every time I get near, he manages to flee! Just then, he had help from ten Brocade-Clad guards which I managed to fend off but I have lost track of the courier. I must catch him before he gets to Beijing or all families of names on that roster will be executed once Lau Gan presents it to the Emperor!”
Nam Wai Dak shook his head with a sigh. “I am afraid that you will have much trouble, my young friend! We have originally gathered here tonight at this abandoned temple to discuss how we wulin pugilists should take action against the unforgivable crimes of Lau Gan and his Eastern Faction. But unfortunately, the men we have sent to scout the area have reported sightings of two groups of twenty-man troop of Eastern Faction Guards within the area. We had just got the news when you walked in so thus the misunderstanding. You cannot be delayed! You must leave quickly this area before the fight starts!”
But Yeung Ming Hung was insistent. “No! Let me stay and help you kill those treacherous hounds! I can easily catch up with the courier with my Ferghana horse tomorrow!” The Ferghana Horse was a rare breed found exclusively from Dayuan. It had extreme long-lasting stamina for extensive journeys and was rumoured to sweat blood after galloping for a long time. However, Yeung Ming Hung’s horse did not but it did gallop extremely fast.
Nam Wai Dak put up a hand in objection. “No need, young hero Yeung! We are more than capable to deal with forty or so Eastern Faction Guards! Aren’t we, my men?” And the temple chorused with excited cries as the men raised their weapons in a boost of morale.
“We’ll kill each and every one we see!” they hollered in unison, “All of them damn eunuch and their hounds!
Suddenly, a cold and proud voice came through the air. “We’ll see about that!” And immediately, a multitude of arrows shot through from the temple’s front door and rained down on the men. There were so many arrow s that it was impossible to defend with merely weapons. The rain of arrows only took twenty seconds but when it ended, cries of pain and frustration filled the temple as most of the men were impaled and penetrated. Both Yeung Ming Hung and Nam Wai Dak had been pierced through their shoulders but they backed against the solid walls just in time or they would have been corpses by now.
Nam Wai Dak ripped the arrow from his breast and yelled in both pain and grief as the surrounding flesh was torn out as well. Grabbing Yeung Ming Hung by the front of his garments, he said, “Young hero Yeung, you have a very important mission to accomplish! You cannot die here!” Looking up over their heads, he pleaded, “Leave through that window while I distract those castrated vermin! You must get that roster!”
There was no way that Nam Wai Dak would survive further attacks and Yeung Ming Hung was unwilling to have other’s sacrifice for him, but he knew what was more important and it pained him to make that decision. “Hero Nam!” he gasped, with tears of gratitude welling up in his eyes, “It was my honour to have known you! I swear that I will avenge you and your men!”
Valiantly, the men used their last breaths to pounce upon the archers and slew them. Being the last man alive, Nam Wai Dak broke the vicious bows as he sliced his double swords through both wood and flesh. As he struggled to stay upon his feet, Nam Wai Dak saw the silhouette of a tall lone man standing on the roof. The man had his back towards him with both hands clasped behind him in a relaxed manner. Pointing his right sword at the man, he bellowed tragically “Come out you coward! I’d rather die with you together than be taken alive!”
In the blink of an eye, the shadow flew towards him and a hand had crushed his throat between its ice-cold fingers before he could raise his weapon. His hands swung loosely by his side and his double sword fell lifelessly to the ground. Struggling to speak as the blood gurgled out of his mouth, Nam Wai Dak gasped feebly, “Who are you?”
He could not see his killer’s face properly but he could the man’s arrogant piercing eyes – full of contempt and hatred. He saw the side of the man’s mouth turn slightly upwards as he announced himself sarcastically in the same cold and proud voice, “The Traitor – Lau Gan.” And that was the last thing that Nam Wai Dak ever heard.
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Author's Note:
I have to admit, when I added the historical character of Yeung Yat Ching in, I had never thought he was just a civil officer. But it was all too late when I found out because I had all the plot planned and mapped out of him as this fantastic martial artist. And I can't do without him because he is the guy who took down Liu Jin in real history. So rather than taking apart my whole story and starting from scratch, he is now a civil officer with fantastic martial arts. Yay! :hooray:
As for those who don't know what a Ferghana Horse is, it is the legendary Blood-Perspiring Horse (大宛馬/汗血馬) from the Middle-East that has great physcial capabilities. It can travel a thousand miles per day and one of the top horse breeds one could find in the ancient world. I have always wanted to have one in my stories and it can help me cut out boring travelling bits.
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Fourteen:
Cast of Appearing Characters:
Yeung Ming Hung – Kenneth Ma Kwok Ming
Suen Nga Yin – Natalie Tong See Wing
So Yee Ha – Sharon Chan Man Chi
Kuk Yuen Yau - Lelia Tong Ning
Emperor Ching Dak - Matt Yeung Ming
Empress Ha - Claire Kar Nei
Yeung Ming Hung rode on as blood trickled from his wound. The long arrow was still impaled through his left shoulder, narrowing missing his heart and major arteries. But he afraid to take it out as yet for the arrow tip was laced with small teeth, and pulling it of the body would rip a large wound away. Besides, it was more important to get away from the area or Nam Wai Dak and his men would have died for nothing. When at a safe distance away, Yeung Ming Hung carefully broke off the deadly arrow head and gritting his teeth, he pulled out the body of the arrow with one smooth movement as blood spurted out. It was then a simple job of bandaging the wound and then concentrating on tracking down the courier.
True to his word, his Ferghana horse was able to catch up with the courier within one day.
But it was too late. The courier was already strolling casually along Cheung Wong Street within the security of Beijing’s city walls where the jurisdiction of the Eastern Faction was the greatest. Disguising as a middle-aged man, Yeung Ming Hung tailed him at a strolling distance on foot, as not to draw unwanted attention. For all knew that there were disguised agents of the Eastern Faction on every street of Beijing. One wrong move and the person would disappear in the blink of the eye and never be seen again - not even their corpse.
And then he saw his target turn swiftly into a side alley just before a large grand mansion. Yeung Ming Hung hurried over but all there was no one in that empty passage. He could not believe it. Tagging his horse behind him, he searched the alley for a secret opening that he could have escaped through but all he could find was a small splatter of red on the ground.
Yeung Ming Hung bent down and touched it. It was still wet and stuck to his fingers. It was fresh blood. He looked up and found some blood specks on the side tiles of tall wall that was adjacent to the alleyway. They must have killed that courier and then dragged his body over the wall into the large mansion.
Yeung Ming Hung decided to scale the wall when he heard the back door of the mansion open. Quickly leading his horse back onto the main street and pretending to buy something, he saw a man walk hurriedly into the main street and securely in hands, was a square shaped packaged. It was wrapped in the exact yellow fabric as the box was in. Yeung Ming Hung gripped his spear tightly. Maybe he could quickly attack that one man, snatch the box and make a run for it. Maybe on his horse, he could make it out of the city gates just in time before the news spread.
But just as he was about to take a step forward, there were a series of loud cries that distracted him. A large black sedan chair was making its way through the street and black-cloaked armed men were herding the public to the sides as it passed through. Yeung Ming Hung took a closer look – it was no other than the Eastern Faction Guards. He had seen their dark-grey uniform as he fled from the abandoned temple.
One of the guards approached the suspicious man who secretly passed the yellow package to him under the guise of pushing him back from the sedan chair. The guard then passed it to the window of the sedan chair where a hand reached out and drew the package within.
Yeung Ming Hung watched powerlessly as the sedan chair quickly entered the palace gates without obstruction. There was no way now that he would be able to retrieve the roster by force in broad daylight where there were thousands of Imperial Guards patrolling the grounds. It was wiser to settle down in an inn and wait for dark to enter by stealth.
Meanwhile within the Enclosed Palace, the Emperor was enjoying the fabulous entertainment before his eyes as one after the other, his consorts performed musical and dance routines. Seated regally beside him with a golden phoenix crown perched on her head, was Empress Ha. Empress Ha heaved a sigh as she watched all these women vie for her husband’s attention with their seductive glances and mesmerizing poses. She saw the way her husband’s eyes followed their every move – he had never looked at her that way before. Yet, she could not show jealousy for she was the Mother of the Nation, the Head of the Enclosed Palace. The Empress was supposed to represent the virtue and generosity of the tradition women – how could she show signs of discontent or jealousy?
The consorts were all seated in two rows along the sides of the large hall, each decked with layers of cosmetic and perfume and adorned with expensive jewellery and hair pins. Each of them was dressed in eye-caching brocades and silks, trying to surpass each other in appearance.
Suen Nga Yin’s slender fingers pressed down and silenced the strings of her pipa as her performance came to an end. It was spirited piece of music, as her lovely voice sang of a thousand varieties of flowers blooming vividly in the gardens, gleaming in the sun and waiting for a destined admirer to pick and take home. The Emperor clapped passionately and exclaimed, “What a great song! My beloved, you are truly the most spectacular performer today!” She curtseyed graceful before returning to her seat with a triumphant look on her face as other consorts glared jealously at her.
So Yee Ha sipped her wine quietly, not even looking at the silent bickering that was going on in the background. All these tactics and squabbles were only superficial and pointless; there was only one way to guarantee status within the Imperial Palace – give birth to an Imperial Heir.
The Emperor was in a joyful mood today. “Who else is yet to perform? Don’t let it stop!” His young face was now had a slight shade of red and his speech slurring. Obviously, he was having too much of the good wine served at this function. The sky had already darkened yet he was unwilling to retire.
The old eunuch bowed and reported, “Your Majesty! Next is Lady Kuk who wishes to perform a short dance!” The emperor clapped his hands again to signal for the dance to commence. Other consorts seemed unfazed. Many of them had performed colourful dances today – how much different could the next one be?
The music soon began and the flute was the lead instrument. The Emperor dropped his cup when Kuk Yuen Yau entered the hall. She was dressed in a stunning tight yellow outfit that was embroidered with golden silk patterns spreading from her body to her feet, glimmering spectacularly as she lifted her limbs gracefully in the air. Strings of pearls and gold beads decorated her supple waist as she spun across the tiled floor. Each pose seemed to show off her slim figure and each move demonstrated the flexibility of her young body.
A long red length of silk was draped around her arms that billowed freely in the air as it surrounded her in twirls and spirals when controlled by her nimble hands. Kuk Yuen Yau looked like a grand phoenix that was dancing with poise as life-giving crimson flames consumed her body. In fact, she looked divine. Her red slippers seemed to float above the ground as she gracefully made her way around the hall with quick light steps. The Emperor was mesmerized with both her form and her smiling face. His mind was totally blank except for the enthralling image of Kuk Yuen Yau and he staggered down from his platform and joined her with a drunken dance.
But someone else watching the performance was also absorbed into a space outside reality. It brought back memories from a long time ago where the same dance was performed. The dance was not intended to show a phoenix dancing happily in devouring flames that signalled her rebirth. It was of an elegant crane that lived high in the tall mountains, alone amongst the mist and clouds that surrounded her nest as she flew across the sky. The magnificently-attired Kuk Yuen Yau was unable to show that tranquil essence of the dance.
In a trance, the person travelled back into the depths of their recollection where another young maiden performed the same dance – too long ago.
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Author's Note:
Sorry for the dance description but I have no idea what is going on when looking at dancing. Just a plot device. Emperor Zhengde was known for his wild and drunken parties and dancing girls. He only gets worse with age. On the other hand, his formal wife Empress Ha was a very strict and formal person but not ambitious. Strange couple.
Book One: The Fist Of Domination (權傾天下)
Chapter Fifteen:
Cast of Appearing Characters:
Yeung Ming Hung – Kenneth Ma Kwok Ming
Suen Nga Yin – Natalie Tong See Wing
So Yee Ha – Sharon Chan Man Chi
Kuk Yuen Yau - Lelia Tong Ning
Emperor Ching Dak - Matt Yeung Ming
Empress Ha - Claire Kar Nei
Siu Kei Chi - Sammul Chan Kin Fung
Cheung Wan Sheung - Nancy Wu Ding Yan
The music soon stopped and Kuk Yuen Yau stood still while the Emperor encircled her with drunken steps and started to sing incoherently out of tune. The old eunuch helped the Emperor reluctantly back to his seat and straightened his crown and robes as he settled down.
“My treasure!” He giggled between hiccups, “You are indeed the best dancer within in the whole Forbidden City! I have never seen anyone that can dance like that! Since you are the best performer tonight, I have decided to grant you a wish! Whatever it is that you want, just say the word! Even if you want to be Empress, just say the word!”
Empress Ha jumped at the words and looked at her husband in disbelief. “Your Majesty….” she stammered. It was as if he did not regard her presence in the hall. He had never really taken a liking to her since they married only a few months ago but still, she was his original wife and his Empress. All the consorts within the hall were eyeing Kuk Yuen Yau with envy as they waited to hear what she would request.
To their surprise, Kuk Yuen Yau knelt down on the floor, and exclaimed, “Your Majesty! I only have one request! But I am unafraid to ask!” She had been dreaming day and night of this moment yet she could not help the fear that struck her.
“Ask away, my dove!” said the Emperor, “I am the Mandate of Heaven, the Ruler of the Earth! I have the power to give you everything you desire!”
Kuk Yuen Yau bit her lip in anxiety and took a deep breath. “Then, your Majesty, I wish that you grant my grandfather and his family freedom from the prison and an open trial for their allegations!” That shocked everyone in the hall.
The Emperor stood up in anger. “Who dares imprison my beloved’s family? Tell me, my dove!”
“My grandfather, Yuen Mo Kei, was the Head Minister of Revenue. He was suddenly arrested along with his whole family five months ago by the Eastern Faction for allegations of treason. But since then, no one has seen or heard from them. Nor has anyone heard of an upcoming trial. Your Majesty, my grandfather is old and fragile. I am afraid that he will die secretly in prison before a trial comes. Please release him and the others from the harshness of imprisonment. My family has served the Great Ming Empire for four generations in total. They are loyal to your Majesty and the Great Ming Empire! They will not commit treason! Definitely not! Please, your Majesty, grant them a trial and the truth will be revealed!”
Kuk Yuen Yau wept silently as she pleaded. The hall was silent. Some felt sorry for her, and others were suspicious of her intentions. Empress Ha stepped down from her seat slowly with her small bound feet and helped Kuk Yuen Yau to her feet. Turning to the Emperor, she said, “Your Majesty. Lady Kuk is virtuous with filial piety and honour. Please do not deny her request!” Kuk Yuen Yau looked up at the elegant face of Empress with tears of gratitude.
The Emperor hesitated. Then he shouted, “Why not? I am the Emperor and I can do anything! A trial it will be! I shall go to Court tomorrow and demand their release! I am wise, am I not, my Empress?”
Empress Ha smiled and replied, “Your Majesty is indeed wise in your decisions! And I thank you for your mercy!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” uttered Kuk Yuen Yau. “Thank you, Empress!”
Empress Ha merely nodded gently at her and then declared, “I think today has been a tiring day for everyone! Let us end the banquet here and retire to our chambers!” And after the Emperor and Empress left, everyone went their separate ways back to their residence.
“You were brave, my Lady!” whispered Siu Kei Chi gently as he helped Kuk Yuen Yau through the gardens, “You seem much happier now that it is all over!”
Kuk Yuen Yau smiled whole-heartedly as she spun around blissfully and began to walk backwards. “I can’t believe it is all over! It felt like centuries before the Emperor yet it was only minutes! It is like a large stone uplifted from my chest after being there for long!”
“Siu Kei Chi offers his congratulations to Lady Kuk.”
“I just can’t wait until tomorrow! My grandfather and uncles and everybody else will soon be freed from their chains and be able to breathe the fresh air.” Kuk Yuen Yau took in a deep breath of the fresh night air. It was lovely. Then in a more worried state, she asked, “Siu Kei Chi, you think that the Emperor will really free my family? He seemed very drunk and disorientated. You think he will remember what he promised me when he wakes up tomorrow?”
Siu Kei Chi could not to bear to tell her the honest truth. The Emperor was not a responsible person. But even if he remembered, he still had to interject into the affairs of the Eastern Faction which has never happened before. But still, since Lau Gan was currently away from the Imperial Palace, maybe he could still have a chance – a slim chance.
“After seeing you dance like a celestial fairy and hearing your touching speech, there was no way that the Emperor would not be moved and not grant your wish!” Siu Kei Chi strolled leisurely after her.
Kuk Yuen Yau innocently cocked her head to one side and looked at him sideways. “You really think that I looked like a celestial fairy?”
“Yes, my Lady” answered Siu Kei Chi sincerely, “You are lovely tonight! It was amazing how you could dance as if gracefully floating across the floor!
Kuk Yuen Yau laughed as she spun round and round along the path. “Ha! Graceful? You know how clumsy I was when I tripped over numerous times when practising those moves! You were there to hold my hand and guide me through the choreography!”
“But you did succeed in the end and you danced brilliantly. No one could have dance like you even if they had the scroll. How can you actually dance like if you were not dancing?” he asked with curiosity.
“Why?” Kuk Yuen Yau giggled, and she stuck her foot out at him, “Because of my big feet!” And chuckling, she ran ahead.
She did indeed have unbound feet, which was very uncommon for women in the era. He has noticed that the moment he was assigned to serve her. He wanted to ask her why but that was a topic for another day, and he hurried to catch up to Kuk Yuen Yau to carry on their conversation. But it was cut short when some old eunuchs suddenly appeared before them and asked for Kuk Yuen Yau to accompany them back to the Imperial Chambers. Siu Kei Chi watched silently as they left and continued his lonely path back to the Palace of Abundant Longevity.
Cheung Wan Sheung was also strolling slowly not too far away. She had gone back to retrieve a silver hairpin that So Yee Ha has left behind at the banquet was heading back to her quarters. Suddenly, a sharp but familiar tune made by blowing on a leaf came from behind her. Cheung Wan Sheung spun around with alertness and quickly scanned the courtyard for any signs of human life. Then she saw it, a dark figure seated comfortably in the shadowy branches of the large tree.
In an annoyed voice, she called, “Come out, Senior Martial Brother!”
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Author's Note:
I did take into account the terrible fashion of having bound feet for well-off women in the Ming Dynasty but I just can't put that into effect when my lead ladies totter around clumsily when danger erupts. I cantl just ignore it because it is a part of chinese history. Cheung Wan Sheung and Yiu So So are fine because they are warrior women so no bound feet but what happens to Kuk Yuen Yau, So Yee Ha and Suen Nga Yin when danger comes? So I have decided to have all the major ladies have unbound feet just for the smoothness of plot. And I have provided a plausible reason for it as well so don't send me hate mail yet! Cheers! :cool:
